AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -During the beginning stage of germination, the seeds take up water rapidly and this results in swelling and softening of the seed coat at an optimum temperature. This stage is referred to as Imbibition. It starts the growth process by activation of enzymes.

Detailed explanation-2: -The imbibition of water by seeds before germination can be divided into three phases: rapid uptake of water (phase I), phase of enhanced water uptake (phase II), and uptake of water along with the initiation of growth (phase III).

Detailed explanation-3: -The uptake of water by dry seed is called imbibition (imbibition means to drink: seeds imbibe water, you do not imbibe seeds). As seeds imbibe water, they expand and enzymes and food supplies become hydrated.

Detailed explanation-4: -Seeds begin to absorb water at the initial stage of germination, a process known as “imbibition.” The seed covering softens as it absorbs water, and the seed then begins to metabolise as the water stimulates the production of gibberellin.

Detailed explanation-5: -The process of seed germination includes the following five changes or steps: imbibition, respiration, effect of light on seed germination, mobilization of reserves during seed germination, and role of growth regulators and development of the embryo axis into a seedling.