Review of The Germination Process and Its Stages

Germination is the process in which a seedling starts to grow and develops and sprouts into a new plant. Germination is used in many places around the world and it is a small step to improving and growing the natural environment around us. Seedlings tend to grow into either a plant (gymnosperm) or a flower (angiosperm). The process of germination is quite simple and normally only takes within 24 to 48 hours to start to crack and show the first tap root.

There are 5 stages of germination. Imbibition, Respiration, Effect of Light on Seed Germination, Mobilization of Reserves during Seed germination, and Development of Embryo Axis. The process of germination is a complex process. As water is taken in, the seed grows bigger and bigger until the coat splits apart. Plant seeds are encased within an outer shell of varying thicknesses. The shell protects the tiny embryo within from parasites, injury or extreme temperatures. Inside the shell also is the endosperm, the food that nourishes the embryo during its early stages of grown Seeds absorb water, activating the biochemical mechanisms required for germination and growth. After absorbing enough water, the embryo bursts the seed's outer shell and the small, growing plant emerges (hunker, 2017).

The Air can then get to the seed. So, the oxygen in the air helps the baby plant burn the nutrients packed inside the seed. Burning the food produces energy. As a result, the baby plant uses the energy to grow. A tiny root grows downwards whereas a shoot begins to grow upwards. The shoot develops and reaches toward the light while the root grows deep in the soil. The cotyledon (first leaves to appear from a germinating seed). Tiny leaves sprout at the end of the shoot letting Photosynthesis to take place. Photosynthesis is the process in which plants and organisms use sunlight to synthesize nutrients from carbon dioxide and water.

The primary root then grows longer and thicker together with the secondary roots. As a result of these steps, more and more leaves grow and the stem becomes thicker and stronger. There are 3 conditions required to successfully germinate a seed. These 3 factors are water, oxygen, and warmth. Water allows the seedling to build nutrients and begin the growing process of the embryo. Oxygen releases the energy for germination. Warmth is used in germination to improve growth as temperatures rise.