germination

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Watch cress seeds absorb water to catalyze the metabolic activity involved in germination

Behold the germination of three pea seeds and observe how root growth is determined by gravity

Study the epigeal germination of a dwarf French bean over two weeks

Observe the hypogeal germination of runner beans over three weeks

Observe the germination and growth of oat

Observe the underground germination of sweet corn

Observe the underground sequence of the germination, growth, and appearance of leaves in wheat

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Science & Tech

germination

botany

Written by John Heslop-Harrison

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

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cotyledons and germination

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Category: Science & Tech

Related Topics:: cryptogeal germination; epigeous germination; hypogeous germination; germ tube; appressorium

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germination, the sprouting of a seed, spore, or other reproductive body, usually after a period of dormancy. The absorption of water, the passage of time, chilling, warming, oxygen availability, and light exposure may all operate in initiating the process. In the process of seed germination, water is absorbed by the embryo, which results in the rehydration and expansion of the cells. Shortly after the beginning of water uptake, or imbibition, the rate of respiration increases, and various metabolic processes, suspended or much reduced during dormancy, resume. These events are associated with structural changes in the organelles (membranous bodies concerned with ...(100 of 1080 words)

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