AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Scarification is often done mechanically, thermally, and chemically. The seeds of many plant species are often impervious to water and gases, thus preventing or delaying germination. Any process designed to make the testa (seed coat) more permeable to water and gases is known as scarification.

Detailed explanation-2: -In the process of body scarification, scars are purposely formed by cutting or branding the skin by various methods (sometimes using further sequential aggravating wound-healing methods at timed intervals, like irritation). Scarification is sometimes called cicatrization (from the French equivalent).

Detailed explanation-3: -In chemical scarification, seeds are dipped into strong sulfuric acid, organic solvents such as acetone or alcohol, or even boiling water. In mechanical scarification, they may be shaken with some abrasive material such as sand or be scratched with a knife.

Detailed explanation-4: -Seed stratification is the process of exposing the seed to moisture and cold so that the hard seed covering will soften and allow the seed to successfully germinate. Seed scarification is the process of mechanically altering the outer seed coat to allow for water uptake and improve seed germination.

Detailed explanation-5: -Seed Scarification: nicking, breaking, softening, or otherwise weakening of the seed coating meant to speed up germination. You can see the hard, almost walnut-like seed coating on these Nasturtium seeds. For best germination, you can nick the outer coating and soak the seeds overnight before planting.