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A number of environmental factors are needed for seeds to germinate - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question a - 2006
Question a
A number of environmental factors are needed for seeds to germinate. (i) What does "germination" mean? (ii) Name three factors needed for germination. (iii) Descr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A number of environmental factors are needed for seeds to germinate - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question a - 2006
Step 1
What does "germination" mean?
Answer
Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. This occurs when the conditions are right, leading the seed to absorb water, swell, and break through its seed coat. The embryo inside the seed starts to grow, ultimately producing roots, stems, and leaves.
Step 2
Name three factors needed for germination.
Answer
The three main factors needed for germination are:
- Water: It activates the enzymes that help dissolve food reserves within the seed.
- Oxygen: It is essential for cellular respiration to provide the energy required for growth.
- Suitable temperature: Most seeds require a certain temperature range to germinate effectively.
Step 3
Describe, with the aid of a labelled diagram, an experiment to investigate percentage germination of a sample of seeds.
Answer
To investigate percentage germination, you can conduct the following experiment:
- Materials Needed: Seeds, petri dishes, filter paper, water, and a ruler.
- Setup: Place a few layers of filter paper in each petri dish. Moisten the filter paper with water, ensuring it is damp but not waterlogged.
- Placement of Seeds: Evenly distribute a known number of seeds on the damp paper in each dish. Cover with another layer of damp filter paper.
- Incubation: Place the petri dishes in a warm environment (e.g., a germination chamber) conducive to seed growth.
- Observation: After a few days, observe and record how many of the seeds have germinated.
- Calculation: The percentage of germination can be calculated as follows: ext{Percentage Germination} = rac{ ext{Number of Seeds Germinated}}{ ext{Total Number of Seeds}} imes 100
- Labelled Diagram: Include a diagram showing the setup, with clear labels for the seeds, petri dishes, and any other relevant apparatus.