AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Seeds wait to germinate until three needs are met: water, correct temperature (warmth), and a good location (such as in soil). During its early stages of growth, the seedling relies upon the food supplies stored with it in the seed until it is large enough for its own leaves to begin making food through photosynthesis.

Detailed explanation-2: -Temperature influences the moisture content, hormone function, and enzyme activity that occurs during seed germination. Warm temperatures accelerate the chemical reactions in seeds and accelerate cell formation for development.

Detailed explanation-3: -All seeds need water, oxygen and the right temperature to germinate. Dormancy is a state of suspended animation in which seeds delay germination until conditions are right for survival and growth. Some Australian plants need fire or smoke to germinate, while others rely on insects and animals.

Detailed explanation-4: -The water is then used in chemical reactions inside cells in the seed. Warmth is needed to speed up the chemical reactions that take place in the seed. Warmth also speeds up the making of new cells when the plant embryo is growing. Therefore low soil temperatures for example, will slow down the rate of germination.

Detailed explanation-5: -Water dissolves the minerals in the soil so that they become available to the seed. Because water has a neutral pH, it balances the soil pH and makes it favorable for seed germination. Imbibition of water causes the seed coat to swell and allows the cells of the embryo to rehydrate.