1. Seed Anatomy & Seed Germination
Where it all Begins:
A Closer Look at Seeds

2. The Kidney Bean
What Do You See?

3. Bean Structure

4. The Process of Germination
Three Stages to the process:
1. Imbibition
2. Embryo expansion
3. Emergence of the radicle

5. The Process of Germination
Imbibition
uptake of water by the dry seed
occurs in three phases
Takes about 30 hours
Occurs equally in both dead and live seeds.

6. The Phases of Imbibition

7. Key Points About Imbibition
When water molecules enter, they dissolve the colloid particles in the seed and take up any free space.
The colloid particles swell; creates imbibition pressure which breaks the seed coat
The main component in the seed that absorbs water is protein

8. Key Points About Imbibition
If water intake is too rapid, damage to the embryo will result
Too much water will encourage the growth of microorganisms and will compete with the embryo for oxygen
Temp. and humidity increase, so does the moisture content of the seed
If conditions are not maximized, seed will not genrminate

9. Emergence of the Radicle

10. Dicot Development

11. Monocot Development

12. Seed Germination