Germination is the process in which a seedling begins to grow, develops and sprouts into a new plant. Sprouting is used in many places around the world and is a small step towards improving and growing the natural environment around us. Seedlings tend to develop into a plant (gymnosperm) or a flower (angiosperm). The germination process is quite simple and normally only takes 24-48 hours for it to begin to break down and show the first tap root. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayThere are 5 stages of germination. Imbibition, respiration, effect of light on seed germination, mobilization of reserves during seed germination and development of the embryo axis. The germination process is a complex process. As the water is absorbed, the seed becomes larger and larger until the coating splits. Plant seeds are enclosed in an outer shell of varying thickness. The shell protects the tiny embryo inside from parasites, injury, or extreme temperatures. Inside the shell there is also the endosperm, the food that nourishes the embryo during the first stages of growth. Seeds absorb water, activating the biochemical mechanisms necessary for germination and growth. After absorbing enough water, the embryo breaks the outer shell of the seed and the small growing plant emerges (hunker, 2017). The air can then reach the seed. Then, the oxygen in the air helps the little plant burn the nutrients contained in the seed. Burning food produces energy. As a result, the baby plant uses energy to grow. A small root grows downwards while a shoot begins to grow upwards. The shoot develops and reaches towards the light while the root grows deep into the soil. The cotyledon (the first leaves to appear from a germinating seed). At the end of the shoot, tiny leaves emerge that allow photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process in which plants and organisms use sunlight to synthesize nutrients from carbon dioxide and water. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The primary root then becomes longer and thicker along with the secondary roots. As a result of these steps, more and more leaves grow and the stem becomes thicker and stronger. 3 conditions are needed to successfully germinate a seed. These 3 factors are water, oxygen and heat. Water allows the seedling to build nutrients and begin the embryo growth process. Oxygen releases the energy for germination. Heat is used in germination to enhance growth as the temperature increases.