1. Seed Germination
IGCSE Biology

2. The life cycle of a plant
There are 7 stages in the life cycle of a plant.
Can you organise your cards as a group to show them?
seed / fruit Formation
seed dispersal
germination
flower formation
pollination
fertilisation
development

3. Seed Structure Parts are: Seed coat Forms a tough protective layer
Embryo shoot
Embryo – grows into plant
SQA-List the functions of 3 main parts of the seed of a dicotyledon ie. seed coat, embryo, food store
Food store
Provides the embryo plant with food.
Embryo root

4. Seed Dissection
Using a scalpel, carefully dissect your seed in half lengthways.
Draw a diagram of what you can see.
Identify the parts,
and label your drawing

5. Germination conditions
Germination is the development of a new plant from the embryo in a seed.
Seeds need certain conditions to germinate:
Water
to activate enzymes which digest stored food
Oxygen
Needed for the production of energy for germination
Warmth
Needed for the enzymes to work effectively.
SQA
Outline the effect of temperature, and availability of water and oxygen on germination
Describe the changes in percentage germination that occur over a range of temperatures

6. Group Activity: What affects germination?
Spacing / number of seeds
Humidity / water volume
Type of seeds
Size of seeds
Type of soil / mass
Temperature
Depth of planting
Gases / oxygen levels
Measure by % germination after set time

7. Each group pick a variable…
Your task as a group is to design, set up and collect results from an experiment that investigates one of the variables mentioned before
Make a group poster that explains and reports your experiment
It should contain all the information you would normally include in a lab report (use your IGCSE Lab Report Formats!) in a clear, concise and VISUAL form!