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Explain what is meant by the term dormancy in seeds - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 9 - 2016

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Explain what is meant by the term dormancy in seeds. How does digestion contribute to successful seed germination? Answer the following questions in relation to th... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain what is meant by the term dormancy in seeds - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 9 - 2016

Step 1

Explain what is meant by the term dormancy in seeds.

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Answer

Dormancy refers to a period of low (or no) metabolism, during which germination does not occur; this can be characterized as a state of suspended growth and activity.

Step 2

How does digestion contribute to successful seed germination?

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Answer

Digestion contributes to successful seed germination by breaking down stored nutrients into simpler forms. This makes nutrients more soluble and transportable to the embryo, facilitating proper growth and development.

Step 3

State whether you carried out this investigation using starch agar or skimmed milk (protein) agar.

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Answer

I carried out this investigation using starch agar.

Step 4

Name a type of enzyme in the seed that carries out this digestion.

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Answer

A type of enzyme in the seed that carries out this digestion is amylase.

Step 5

Why were the seeds soaked in water at the start of the investigation?

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Answer

The seeds were soaked in water to allow the metabolic activity to initiate, activating enzymes needed for germination or to soften the seed coat and break dormancy.

Step 6

When preparing the seeds, they were also split and sterilised. 1. Why is it recommended that you sterilise the seeds?

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Answer

It is recommended that you sterilise the seeds to kill or remove any microorganisms that might affect the investigation.

Step 7

2. Why were the split seeds placed open-side down on the agar?

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Answer

The split seeds were placed open-side down on the agar to ensure that the enzymes were exposed to the substrate, enabling effective digestion.

Step 8

How did you know that digestive activity had occurred on one of your investigation plates?

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Answer

I knew that digestive activity had occurred on one of my investigation plates because I observed clear areas around the seeds, indicating that the starch had been broken down.

Step 9

How did you know that digestive activity had not occurred on one of your investigation plates?

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Answer

I knew that digestive activity had not occurred on one of my investigation plates because there were no clear areas around the seeds; the agar remained a positive color for starch.

Step 10

Give one reason for what you observed in part (v).

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Answer

One reason for my observation could be that the seeds were either dead or the enzyme had been denatured, preventing any digestion.

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