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Seed Germination

Germination is the process by which a dormant seed begins to sprout and grow into a seedling under the right conditions. It begins with imbibition, where the seed takes in water which causes swelling and the rupture of the seed coat. This allows for the uptake of more water and the release of gibberellic acid, a plant hormone. Gibberellic acid activates genes in the aleurone cells which leads to the production and transportation of amylase to break down starch reserves. The hydrated starch then moves to the cotyledon and radicle to initiate growth of the seedling. Several factors like water, oxygen, temperature, and light can affect the germination process.

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4K views12 pages

Seed Germination

Germination is the process by which a dormant seed begins to sprout and grow into a seedling under the right conditions. It begins with imbibition, where the seed takes in water which causes swelling and the rupture of the seed coat. This allows for the uptake of more water and the release of gibberellic acid, a plant hormone. Gibberellic acid activates genes in the aleurone cells which leads to the production and transportation of amylase to break down starch reserves. The hydrated starch then moves to the cotyledon and radicle to initiate growth of the seedling. Several factors like water, oxygen, temperature, and light can affect the germination process.

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Dima
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Seed Germination

Johnny Wise

http://amato.edu.glogster.com/germinationwebquest/
Overview
• What is germination?

• Seed Anatomy

• How it works

• Factors

• Dormancy

• Establishment
Seed Germination Defined
Biology-online.org:
“…the process by which a dormant seed begins to
sprout and grow into a seedling under the right
Seedbiology.de:
growing conditions.”
“…a complex physiological process triggered by
http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Germination
imbibition of water after possible dormancy
Dictionary.refere.nce.com:
mechanisms have been released by appropriate
ger*mi*nate [jur-muh-neyt]
triggers…rapid expansion growth of the embryo
1.To begin to grow or develop.
culminates in rupture of the covering layers and
2.Botany .
emergence of the radicle…considered completion
a. To develop into a plant or individual, as a
of germination.”
seed, spore, or bulb.
http://www.seedbiology.de/germination.asp
b. To put forth shoots; sprout; pullulate.
3.To come into existence; begin.
Mung bean seeds sprouting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTZih16DUB4
Seed Anatomy
• Seed coat provides
protection
• Endosperm = food
(STARCH)
• Aleurone cells = store
abundant protein

• Cotyledon  leaves
• Epicotyl  shoot
• Radicle  root
http://gardening.wsu.edu/library/vege004/vege004.htm
http://web1.uct.usm.maine.edu/~champlin/Courses%20F'09/Handouts/seed%20germination.htm
Process: Seed Germination
1. Imbibition
- water uptake, softens
inner tissues
- causes swelling and
seed coat rupture
- more water uptake

http://gardening.wsu.edu/library/vege004/vege004.htm
http://web1.uct.usm.maine.edu/~champlin/Courses%20F'09/Handouts/seed%20germination.htm
Process: Seed Germination
1. Imbibition
- water uptake, softens
inner tissues
- causes swelling and
seed coat rupture
- more water uptake

2. Gibberelic Acid
- Plant hormone (similar
to steroids)
- Dissolved & distributed
by water
http://gardening.wsu.edu/library/vege004/vege004.htm
http://web1.uct.usm.maine.edu/~champlin/Courses%20F'09/Handouts/seed%20germination.htm
Process: Seed Germination
2. Gibberelic Acid
- Arrives at aleurone
cells
- Activates certain genes

3. Transcription
Transportation
Translation  amylase

4. Amylase accelerates
hydrolysis of starch
Process: Seed Germination
5. Hydrated starch moves
to the cotyledon and
radicle to initiate
growth
Process: Seed Germination

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/steps-of-seed-germination.html

http://bonnieplants.com/library/bonnie-herb-and-vegetable-plant-
food-now-available-for-home-gardens/seed-germinating/

http://www.rollitup.org/cfl-fluorescent-lighting/492395-best-way-
germinate-feminized-ordered.html
Seed Coat Affects Germination
• Strawberries/raspberries need to be
consumed

• Water
– Common glasswort needs to be pounded by surf

• Temperature
– Kentucky coffee needs to be frozen
– Blazing stars need to be burned
Other Factors Affecting Germination
• Water

• Oxygen

• Light/darkness
– Forest seeds will not open until hole in canopy
References
• Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germination

• Champlin Website:
http://web1.uct.usm.maine.edu/~champlin/Courses%20F'09/Handouts/se
ed%20germination.htm

• Plant Science and Landscape Architecture,


UMD:
http://www.psla.umd.edu/faculty/Coleman/Seed%20Germination.pdf

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