seeds and germination

germination

process by which a seed absorbs water, swells, begins to grow into a new plant

hypogeal germination

cotyledons remain below the ground as the seedling grows

epigeal germination

cotyledons are lifted above the soil surface as the seedling grows

dormant seed

seed that is alive but inactive, not germinating, until conditions are suitable

conditions for germination

water, oxygen, temperature, light

seedling

young plant, from seed, begun to develop leaves

cotyledon

seed leaves that provide food for the developing plant

testa

outer seed coat, protects the seed

scar

mark on the seed that shows where the seed was attached to the plant

micropyle

a smalll hole in the seed coat that allows water to enter, helps during germination

endosperm

tissue within the seed, provides food to the developing embryo