Question

In the spaces provided below, draw labelled diagrams to show the three stages in the germination of any seed you have observed.

1. Complete seed
   
2. Radicle emerged
   
3. Plumule emerged
4. Roots

Answer 1

1. COMPLETE SEED: The first step in the germination process is the metabolic activation of a dormant seed

• Germination begins with the absorption of water, which causes gibberellin to be produced
  
• Gibberellin triggers the synthesis of amylase, which breaks down starch into maltose
  
• Maltose is either hydrolysed (to glucose) for energy or polymerised (to cellulose) for cell wall formation
  
• This energy and cellular building blocks are used to promote cell division and the growth of a nascent shoot
  
• Once the seed is metabolically activated, germination proceeds according to the following stages:
  

2. RADICLE EMERGED: The seed coat (testa) ruptures and the embryonic root (radicle) grows into the ground to extract key nutrients and minerals

3. PLUMULE EMERGED: The cotyledon emerges and produces the (plumule) growing shoot’s first leaves.

4.ROOT: The growing plant can be divided into the epicotyl (embryonic shoot), hypocotyl (embryonic stem) and developing roots