What Is Seed Germination?

The process whereby seeds or spores sprout and begin to grow is known as germination.
Germination is the onset growth of a seed, often following a period of dormancy, in response to suitable environmental conditions. During germination (the growth and development process) of a seed the water is absorbed through micropyle, and the formerly dormant embryo resumes growth and emerges from the seed.

The root is normally the first structure emerging from the seed, growing rapidly and absorbing the water and minerals from the soil. Much of the water is transported to the cells in embryo. As its cells elongate the stem pushes out of the soil. There are two types of seed germination; one is the epigeal germination and the other is the hypogeal germination.

When the cotyledons appear above the ground by the elongation of hypocotyls, the type of seed germination is called epigeal. For example; seeds of melons, cucumber and beans. When the cotyledons remain below the soil and epicotyl elongates bringing plumule above the soil surface. It is described as hypogeal germination. For example seed of gram, maize and grain. In some seeds such as tobacco plants light is also necessary to trigger the germination of seeds.

Basically, germination of a seed is the "time of conception" for a plant. It is when the seed has become fertile and has the ability to actually grow into another plant on its own.

It is the process by which seeds develop into new plant