Germinating Seeds (Edexcel IGCSE Biology): Revision Note

Germination

• The seeds of plants contain:

  • an embryo shoot

  • an embryo root

  • seed leaves, known as cotyledons

  • a food store, containing starch and other nutrients

• During germination the embryo plant begins to grow, using up food reserves from the food store

  • Enzymes inside the seed break down the stored starch in the seed's food store into maltose and then glucose

  • Glucose is used in respiration to release energy for growth of the shoot and the root

• The food store provides nutrients and energy for the growing seedling until larger leaves emerge, at which point photosynthesis can begin and the new plant can produce its own food