Germ

1. T he Cir cle of Life
(FOR PLANTS)
14/02/13 K. Collins 2010 Middle School
MCHS

2. Parts of the Seed
The embryo: is the little ‘baby plant’ when
conditions are favourable it develops into
a new plant. Inside the seed it is made up
of 3 different parts:
1. Plumule- is like a leaf in its early
development, the baby shoot.
2. Radicle- It is the part that emerges first, it
is the baby root, it develops into the main
root
3. Cotyledons – primary leaves &/or food
storage
14/02/13 K. Collins 2010 Middle School
MCHS

3. Seed Structure
14/02/13 K. Collins 2010 Middle School
MCHS

4. Germination
 When the conditions are
right, the seed bursts open
and a new plant grows out.
 This process is called
‘GERMINATION’
 When germination is
complete, the embryo has
become a young plant or
seedling.
14/02/13 K. Collins 2010 Middle School
MCHS

5. What are the best
conditions for
Germination?
 There are 3 environmental conditions
that are needed by all seeds before
they germinate:
1. Water
2. Oxygen
3. Warm Temprature
 Activity: Propose reasons why each
condition is required for germination of
seed to take place?
14/02/13 K. Collins 2010 Middle School
MCHS

6. Ideal conditions for
germination
1. Water: Is necessary for the seed to swell & burst
open & then to transport food to the growing
embryo
2. Oxygen: helps provide the energy needed for
growth & development
3. Temperature: needed varies with the particular
type of plant E.g. Banksia requires high temp. to
burst the fruit so that the seeds may be released.
4. Light not required for germination of most seeds,
once the young shoot breaks through it is
needed so the plant can make it’s own food.
14/02/13 K. Collins 2010 Middle School
MCHS

7. Seeds & Germination
14/02/13 K. Collins 2010 Middle School
MCHS