How Different Seeds Grow

Most plants have certain requirements for life. How a plant grows depends upon light, water, carbon dioxide, minerals in the soil, temperature and microbes in the soil.

• Light, water and carbon dioxide are needed for photosynthesis which is needed for the plant to make food.
• Oxygen is needed when it is dark for the plant to maintain itself
• Soil helps bind the roots to anchor the plant.
• Temperature or light intensity (varies for types of plants) effects the rate of photosynthesis, when the plant flowers, and the loss of water from the plant (transpiration).

Plants utilize seeds for reproduction. The seed is dormant (asleep) until the right conditions allow it to grow. When these requirements are met for a seed it will start to germinate or grow. Enough food and minerals are stored in the seed so they do not need more so not having these does not stop germination. When water is absorbed by the seed, the inner tissue swells more quickly than the seed coat, the tissue (inside) becomes hydrated (filled with water) and life activity begins. The food stored in the cotyledons or endosperms are now digested and used.

On the following worksheet examine the different germinating seeds - squash, garden bean, pea and corn - write down the differences and similarities that you observe.

Make observations

Work Sheet: Describe the Differences