What is Germination?
Germination is the process by which a seed turns into a sprout (seedling).
Activity 10.2: The 4-Pot Experiment
To understand what seeds need, we set up an experiment with 4 pots containing bean seeds.
Setup
- Pot A: Direct sunlight, No water.
- Pot B: Direct sunlight, Excess water (submerged).
- Pot C: Dark room, Moist soil (moderate water).
- Pot D: Direct sunlight, Moist soil (moderate water).
Observations (After 7-10 days)
| Pot | Conditions | Result | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Air + Light (No Water) | No Germination | Water is missing. Water softens the seed coat for the embryo. |
| B | Light + Water (No Air) | Rotting/No Germination | Air is missing. Roots/seeds need oxygen from soil spaces. |
| C | Water + Air (No Light) | Germination | Light is not essential for the initial germination of bean seeds. |
| D | Water + Air + Light | Germination | All conditions are optimal. |
Conclusion: Essential Conditions
From the experiment, we observe that the essential conditions for seed germination are:
- Water: To soften the seed coat and activate growth.
- Air (Oxygen): For respiration of the growing embryo.
- Correct Temperature: (Implied by the environment).
Warning
Is Light Needed? For most seeds (like beans), light is not required for germination (sprouting). They can germinate in the dark (Pot C). However, after germination, sunlight is required for the seedling to grow healthy and green (photosynthesis). Note: Some specific seeds like Petunia do require light to germinate.