Winning Science Fair Projects...
How Seed Germination Works

Many winning science fair projects have been done by students on the subject of seed germination. The word germination means the start of growth of the embryo inside the seed to produce another plant. Before this growth begins the seed is said to be in a state of dormancy(a state where metabolism and growth have stopped).

So germination is the first step in making a new seedling. The seed not only contains the embryo but also enough stored food for it to start growing and develop into a seedling.

Requirements For Seed Germination To Begin

Water- Moisture is a definite requirement since most seeds are very dry. Water is necessary for metabolism(converting food into energy) to begin inside the seed and it also swells the seed making the seed coat easier to crack open. The seed has to open by the way for the new plant seedling to escape and for oxygen to enter.

Water activates enzymes within the seed and they work to break down or metabolize the stored food needed for the plant embryo to develop. The embryo eventually breaks through the soil and into the light where photosynthesis then begins. Photosynthesis is the chemical manufacturing of food for the growing plant using light.

Oxygen- Once the seed swells and breaks open from absorbing water, oxygen is able to enter and is needed for the metabolism processes going on. So if the seed is deprived of oxygen at this point then the metabolism will stop and the embryo will not be able to develop into a seedling.

Light- Some types of seeds may need to be exposed to light for a certain amount of time in order to break dormancy and for germination to start.

Temperature- A certain temperature is needed for seeds to start germinating. That temperature will vary depending on the particular type of seed.

Hormonal Effects- Certain plant hormones may also affect the germination of seeds. Gibberellins for example can prompt seeds out of dormancy and allow germination to begin(other factors being favorable).

So all these factors at work making the germination of a seed into a new plant possible. I hope this page will give you many ideas for your winning science fair projects.