Question

The first process by which water enters into the seed coat when a seed is placed in a suitable situation for germination is

• A. Root pressure
• B. Absorption
• C. Osmosis
• D. Imbibition

Answer 1

The correct option is D Imbibition

Imbibition is the process of absorption of water by hydrophilic solid particles. It is a special type of diffusion as the water moves along its concentration gradient. The classical example includes the absorption of water by seeds. This process plays an important role in the germination of seed, rupturing of the seed coat, and the emergence of seedlings is due to imbibition pressure developed by the seed kernel.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Imbibition'.