germination
Definition
Germination is the process by which a seed starts to grow into a plant. It is a complex process that involves many different factors, including the availability of water, oxygen, and nutrients.
The first step in germination is the absorption of water. The seed coat is made up of a material that is waterproof. When the seed absorbs water, the seed coat swells and cracks open. This allows the root to start to grow down into the soil.
The root is the first part of the plant to grow. The root absorbs water and nutrients from the soil. The stem then starts to grow up, and the first leaves appear. The leaves use sunlight to make food for the plant.
The process of germination can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of seed.
How can the word be used?
The germination time for this type of seed is usually about two weeks.
Different forms of the word
Noun: germination.
Adjective: germinal.
Verb: germinate.
Synonym: sprouting.
Etymology
The word "germination" comes from the Latin word "germinare", which means "to sprout" or "to bud". The word "germinare" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "ger-", which means "to grow".
Question
What is germination?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question: What are the factors that affect germination?
Answer:
There are a number of factors that affect germination, including:
- Moisture: Seeds need moisture to germinate. The amount of moisture needed varies depending on the type of seed.
- Temperature: Seeds need to be kept at a certain temperature for germination to occur. The temperature needed varies depending on the type of seed.
- Light: Some seeds need light to germinate, while others do not.
- Oxygen: Seeds need oxygen to germinate.
- Germination inhibitors: Some seeds contain germination inhibitors, which prevent them from germinating. These inhibitors need to be broken down before germination can occur.
If any of these factors are not met, germination will not occur.
Here are some additional details about each of these factors:
- Moisture: Seeds need moisture to absorb water. This water helps to activate the enzymes that are needed for germination. The amount of moisture needed varies depending on the type of seed. For example, some seeds need to be kept moist, while others need to be soaked.
- Temperature: Seeds need to be kept at a certain temperature for germination to occur. The temperature needed varies depending on the type of seed. For example, some seeds need to be kept at a warm temperature, while others need to be kept at a cool temperature.
- Light: Some seeds need light to germinate, while others do not. Seeds that need light to germinate will usually have a light-sensitive area on the seed coat. This area is called the micropyle. When the seed is exposed to light, the micropyle allows water to enter the seed and germination to occur.
- Oxygen: Seeds need oxygen to germinate. Oxygen is needed for the respiration of the embryo inside the seed. If there is not enough oxygen, the embryo will not be able to get the energy it needs to germinate.
- Germination inhibitors: Some seeds contain germination inhibitors, which prevent them from germinating. These inhibitors are chemicals that are produced by the seed and that prevent the embryo from germinating. The inhibitors need to be broken down before germination can occur. This can happen naturally over time, or it can be done by scarifying the seed coat. Scarification is the process of damaging the seed coat to allow the inhibitors to escape.