Question

Oxygen is needed for seed germination because

• A. Oxygen helps in imbibition of water.
• B. Oxygen softens the seed coat.
• C. It activates the protoplasm of the seed cells.
• D. For aerobic respiration.

Answer 1

The correct option is D For aerobic respiration.

The consecutive events which bring in a dry quiescent seed, in response to water uptake, a rise in general metabolic activities and initiate the formation of the seedling from the embryo are known as germination. Oxygen is one of the external factors that regulates germination. Oxygen is necessary for germination since aerobic respiration is a physiological requirement for germination. Most seeds germinate well in air containing 20% oxygen.

Thus option D is the correct answer.