Plants - Seed Dispersal and Germination

Germination is the process by which a seed begins to grow into a new plant. It requires three specific conditions: Water ($H_2O$), Oxygen ($O_2$), and Warmth (Optimal Temperature).

The seed structure includes the testa (seed coat), the embryo (consisting of the radicle and plumule), and the cotyledon (food store).

The radicle is the part of the embryo that develops into the root system, while the plumule develops into the shoot system.

Seed dispersal is the movement or transport of seeds away from the parent plant to reduce competition for light, space, and nutrients such as Nitrates ($NO_3^-$) and Magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$).

Wind Dispersal: Seeds are often light and have adaptations like wings (e.g., sycamore) or hairs (e.g., dandelion) to increase air resistance.

Animal Dispersal: Can be internal (eating fleshy fruits and excreting seeds) or external (seeds with hooks/burrs that stick to fur).

Water Dispersal: Seeds are buoyant and waterproof, allowing them to float (e.g., coconuts).

Explosive Dispersal (Ballochory): Pods dry up and burst open, flinging seeds away (e.g., pea pods).

During the initial stages of germination, the seed performs aerobic respiration using stored glucose: $C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{Energy}$.