GERMINATION

• What enters the seed through the micropyle?

  The pollen tube
• What develops from the fertilized egg (ovule)?


  An embryo
• What are the two parts of the embryo and what do they develop into?

  The plumule develops into the shoot and the radicle develops into the roots
• How many cotyledons do monocots and dicots have?

  Monocots have one cotyledon and dicots have two cotyledons
• What happens to the petals after fertilization?

  The petals dry up and fall off
• What is a non-endospermic seed example?

  Bean seed
• What are the functions of the parts of a seed?

  1. Testa (seed coat) - protects the embryo from physical damage
  2. Cotyledon - stores food for the embryo
  3. Micropyle - allows water and oxygen to enter the seed
  4. Embryo - consists of plumule (develops into shoot) and radicle (develops into roots)
• What is the role of water in seed germination?

  Water activates biochemical reactions and helps the seed swell
• Why is oxygen important for seed germination?

  Oxygen is required for aerobic respiration to release energy for growth
• What temperature range is suitable for seed germination?

  5 °C to 40 °C
• What do enzymes do during the early stages of germination?

  Enzymes convert food reserves like starch and proteins into soluble products
• What is seed dispersal?

  Seed dispersal is the transfer of seeds from the parent plant to new sites
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of seed dispersal?

  Advantages:

  • Reduces competition for nutrients and space
  • Increases chances of finding fresh areas to colonize

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Possibility of not finding a suitable place for germination
• What are the main mechanisms of seed dispersal?

  1. Animal
  2. Wind
  3. Water
  4. Self dispersal (explosive release of seeds)
• How do animal-dispersed seeds attach to animals?

  They have hooks or spines that attach to the skin, fur, or wool of animals
• What is an example of a fruit that is animal-dispersed?


  Tomatoes
• How do wind-dispersed seeds travel long distances?


  They have feathery hairs or wing-like structures that increase surface area
• What is an example of a wind-dispersed seed?


  Dandelion seeds
• How do water-dispersed seeds float?

  They have a fibrous ovary wall that enables them to float on water
• What is an example of a water-dispersed seed?

  Coconut
• What happens during self-dispersal of seeds?

  Seeds are explosively released from the fruit
• What is the first part of the seed to grow during germination?

  The radicle
• What protects the tip of the radicle as it grows into the soil?

  The root cap
• What happens to the cotyledons after they provide food for the growing plant?

  The cotyledons shrivel and eventually fall off
• What is the main type of food stored in the cotyledons?

  Starch
• How is starch converted into sugar during germination?

  Enzymes become active and convert starch into soluble sugars
• What happens to the brown testa during germination?

  The brown testa is shed
• What happens to the cotyledons once they are above the soil?

  The leaves of the plumule open out