Cellular Respiration on Seed Germination

III. Seed Structure Seed Part Function Testa (seed coat) Tough, protective outer coat Cotyledons Embryonic leaves that function as nutrient storage structures Micropyle Scar of the opening where the pollen tube entered the ovule Embryonic root Becomes plants root system Embryonic shoot Becomes plants first leaves

IV. Germination Germination is the development of a new plant Conditions needed for Germination 1. water to rehydrate dried seed tissues 2. Oxygen aerobic respiration to produce ATP. 3. Ideal temperature and pH for enzyme activity 4. Some seeds need special conditions to germinate a. fire b. testa disruption c. freezing

5. Seeds do not carry out photosynthesis Seeds use used energy stored in cotyledons for cellular processes This is in the form of amylose Seed Germination

V. Seed Metabolism during Germination Water is absorbed & activates cells Synthesis of gibberelins (plant growth hormones) Gibberelins cause synthesis of amylase Amylase hydrolyses stored starch to maltose Maltose is further broken down into glucose which is used for cellular respiration (in mitochondria)