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    Seeds and Seed Germination and Dormancy

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    Abdulrehman Nizamani

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    Seeds and Seed Germination and Dormancy

    Uploaded by

    Abdulrehman Nizamani
    5 views2 pages

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    5 views2 pages

    Seeds and Seed Germination and Dormancy

    Uploaded by

    Abdulrehman Nizamani

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    Seeds and Seed Germination and Dormancy

    Seeds are the reproductive units of flowering plants (angiosperms) and gymnosperms. They
    consist of an embryo, a food supply, and a protective seed coat. Seeds are crucial for the survival
    and propagation of plant species, allowing them to reproduce and disperse in various
    environments.
    Structure of Seeds
     Embryo: The young plant that develops from the fertilized ovule, consisting of the radicle
    (root), plumule (shoot), and cotyledons (seed leaves).
     Seed Coat: A protective outer layer that safeguards the embryo and food supply from
    environmental hazards.
     Endosperm: A nutrient-rich tissue that provides energy and sustenance to the developing
    embryo during germination (in some seeds) or the cotyledons serve this purpose.
    Seed Germination
    Seed germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. This process is
    influenced by various environmental factors and internal conditions.
    Stages of Germination:
    1. Imbibition:
     The seed absorbs water, causing it to swell and break the seed coat.
     Activation of metabolic processes begins as enzymes are activated.
    2. Metabolic Activation:
     The seed begins to respire and convert stored food (starch, proteins, and fats) into usable
    energy (ATP).
     Enzymatic activity increases, facilitating the mobilization of nutrients.
    3. Radicle Emergence:
     The radicle (embryonic root) is the first part to emerge from the seed, anchoring the plant
    and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.
    4. Plumule Emergence:
     The plumule (embryonic shoot) follows, growing upward toward the light and developing
    into the stem and leaves.
    Factors Affecting Germination:
     Water: Essential for imbibition and metabolic processes.
     Oxygen: Required for respiration; insufficient oxygen can hinder germination.
     Temperature: Different seeds have optimal temperature ranges for germination.
     Light: Some seeds require light to germinate, while others may germinate in darkness.
    3. Seed Dormancy
    Seed dormancy is a survival mechanism that prevents seeds from germinating until conditions
    are favorable for growth. Dormancy allows seeds to withstand unfavorable environmental
    conditions, such as drought, extreme temperatures, or lack of nutrients.
    Types of Seed Dormancy:
    1. Physiological Dormancy:
     The seed exhibits internal physiological conditions that inhibit germination, often due to
    immature embryos or insufficient hormone levels (e.g., gibberellins).
    2. Morphological Dormancy:
     Seeds have immature embryos at the time of dispersal and require a period of
    development before germination can occur.
    3. Physical Dormancy:
     The seed coat is impermeable to water or gases, preventing germination until the coat is
    altered (e.g., by abrasion, heat, or chemicals).
    4. Environmental Dormancy:
     Seeds require specific environmental conditions (e.g., light, temperature, or moisture) to
    germinate. This type of dormancy ensures seeds germinate at the right time.
    Seeds are essential reproductive structures that enable plants to propagate and survive in various
    environments. Seed germination is a complex process influenced by factors like water, oxygen,
    temperature, and light. Conversely, seed dormancy is a crucial survival strategy that ensures
    seeds remain inactive until conditions are favorable for germination, enhancing their chances of
    successful establishment and growth.

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