Seed Determination And Temperature Essay

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Seed Germination and Temperature
Introduction
Seed Germination is the process by which an organism grows from a seed into a plant such as an angiosperm or gymnosperm. Temperature is a factor that can highly effect the germination of a plant. Squash is recognized in the family Cucurbitaceae. Squash come in different varieties, usually distinguished as being “winter” or “summer” squash (Maynard, 2003). It is actually said that summer squash is harvested when the fruits are immature (New World Encyclopedia contributors, 2008). In order for a seed to germinate, the seed has to be fully developed, meaning it should contain an embryo and have food storage which is surrounded by a seed coat (DuPont). Seeds also need the proper environment to properly germinate. The temperature must be right, the moisture level of the soil must be favorable, and they will need sunlight. The desirable temperature for a seed will vary. If the seed’s environment is not optimal, then the seed will …show more content…

The highest temperature a squash seed can germinate at is one-hundred degrees. It is possible that a viable seed will not germinate. This is called “seed dormancy”, where germination under correct conditions is not able to occur (DuPont). Seed germination is a multi-step process. The first step of the process is imbibition, or absorption of water. The seed becomes very hydrated and the increased moisture causes cellular respiration to increase. The next step in the process of germination includes metabolic activity. Proteins inside the seed coat are converted into amino acids, and these nutrients are then sent to the meristems. In the last part of germination, the seed coat will burst. Both the root and the radicle come out of the seed. The stem of the plant then starts to emerge from the soil and continues to

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