Seed Germination - Development of plant

The environmental factors that influence the germination of seeds are:

1. Water availability,
2. Optimal light,
3. Aeration,
4. Temperature and age of the seed.

When water is imbibed by the seeds, they swell. In fact, seeds swell because the hydrophilic groups like NH₂, OH^-, COO^-, present in carbohydrates and proteins attract dipolar water molecules. If oxygen is also available the energy (ATP) for germination is obtained by oxidative phosphorylation. At optimal temperature many biochemical reactions occur. All these changes lead to germination which finally results in the emergence of radicle and the plumule. The root and the shoot grow and for their growth, food stored in the seed is available for a short period. After the leaves are developed the plant becomes autotrophic and synthesises its own food material in the presence of light.