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seedling

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

A seedling is a young plant that has just germinated from a seed. It has a small root system and a few leaves. Seedlings are very fragile and need to be protected from the elements.

The seedling stage is a critical stage in the life of a plant. It is during this stage that the plant establishes its roots and begins to photosynthesize. If the seedling does not survive this stage, the plant will not be able to grow and reproduce.

There are many factors that can affect the survival of a seedling. Some of the most important factors include:

  • Water: Seedlings need water to survive. If they do not get enough water, they will dry out and die.
  • Soil: Seedlings need good quality soil that is loose and well-drained. If the soil is too compacted or waterlogged, the seedling will not be able to grow properly.
  • Sunlight: Seedlings need sunlight to photosynthesise. If they do not get enough sunlight, they will not be able to grow properly.
  • Temperature: Seedlings need a warm temperature to survive. If the temperature is too cold, the seedling will not be able to germinate.

If you are growing seedlings, it is important to provide them with the right conditions for survival. Water them regularly, plant them in a good-quality soil, and give them plenty of sunlight. With the right care, your seedlings will grow into healthy plants.

How can the word be used?

The seedlings need to be watered regularly.

seedling

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • a young plant grown from a seed.

Etymology

The word "seedling" is a compound word, consisting of the words "seed" and "ling", a diminutive suffix.

The word "seed" comes from the Old English word "sæd", which also means "seed".

The suffix "ling" is derived from the Old English word "ling", which means "young creature".

The first recorded use of the word "seedling" in English was in the 16th century.

The word "seedling" is an English word, and it is not related to any other languages.

Question

What is a seedling?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Describe the process of seedling growth, highlighting the key stages from germination to establishment, and explain the role of environmental factors in influencing seedling development.

Answer:

Seedling growth is a critical phase in the life cycle of plants, encompassing several key stages. Germination marks the beginning, as a seed absorbs water, swells, and breaks its seed coat. The embryonic plant's radicle emerges, followed by the shoot, which develops toward the light. Cotyledons, if present, provide nourishment until true leaves form and photosynthesis commence.

Environmental factors significantly influence seedling development. Light is essential for photomorphogenesis, triggering stem elongation, chlorophyll synthesis, and leaf expansion. Gravity guides roots downward through gravitropism, while positive phototropism guides shoots toward light. Moisture and temperature also play vital roles; insufficient water halts growth, and temperature affects metabolic rates.

Influence from environmental factors is evident in photoperiodism, where day length affects flowering time. Other external factors include soil composition, nutrient availability, and interactions with microorganisms.

Seedlings adapt to their environment through responses such as tropisms, where growth is directed in response to external stimuli. For example, roots display positive geotropism, growing downward, while shoots exhibit negative geotropism, growing upward.