Question

An indispensable physical factor absolutely required for seed germination is

• A. Water
• B. Light
• C. Low temperature
• D. Soil minerals

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Water

Water (Moisture) – This is required to trigger the mechanism of germination. Mature seeds are often extremely dry and need to take in significant amounts of water, relative to the seeds dry weight, before cellular metabolism, to resume their growth. When seeds are formed, most plants store food, such as starch, proteins, or oils, to provide nourishment to the growing embryo inside the seed. When seed absorb water, hydrolytic enzymes are activated that break down these stored food resources in to metabolically useful chemicals, allowing the cells of the embryo to divide and grow. Seed coat burst so the seedling can emerge from the seed.