Seed Germination Flashcards

Flashcards about seed germination

Radicle

The embryo root.

Micropyle

Hole through which water can enter the seed.

Epicotyl

Embryo shoot.

Cotyledon

Contains food stores for the seed.

Testa/Seed coat

The outer covering of the seed that protects the internal parts.

Cotyledons

Absorb food from the parent plant and store it for the embryo; protect the embryo.

Embryo/baby plant

Develops into a new plant; gives rise to the plumule/epicotyl (shoot) and radicle (root).

Micropyle

Hole through which water enters the seed.

Viable seed

A seed is able to germinate and develop into a seedling.

Seed viability

Refers to the total number of seeds expected to germinate when 100 seeds are sown.

Germination

The process in which the embryo inside the seed grows and develops into a seedling, using food stored in the cotyledons or endosperm.

Scarification

Making scratches in the seed coat so that water can be taken up more readily and germination can start.

Germination

The growth of a seed into a new plant.

Air/Oxygen

To breathe during germination.

Water/moisture

To make the seed coat soft, enabling the baby plant to break the seed coat open.

Warmth

To make cells active during germination.

Light

Can stimulate or inhibit germination of some plant species.

Epigeal Germination

Seed germination where the cotyledon is pushed out of the soil.

Hypogeal Germination

Seed germination where cotyledons remain below the soil.