An introduction for the germination experiment - Lab Report Example

Lab Report: an Introduction for the Germination Experiment A plant’s life cycle comprises of different phases. Seed germination is the initial and basic stage in the growth and development of any plant. It is a phase that determines the survival of a plant. Seed germination is a process that involves passive uptake of water by a viable non-dominant seed, resumption of cellular metabolism and radicle emergence from the seed coat. Germination of seeds requires the presence of water or moisture, adequate oxygen and optimum temperature.

Additionally, some seeds may require proper lighting while others require darkness to germinate (Jirage 1). Seed germination process is comprised of several steps. First, the seed absorbs water from the surrounding environment through osmosis. Water absorbed activates enzymes, increases the rate of respiration and leads to duplication of plant cells. Secondly, the chemical energy stored as starch is converted to sugar and serves the embryo as food during the process of germination. The embryo is nourished and enlarged resulting in seed coat burst.

Lastly, a root tip known as the radicle emerges from the seed and grows downwards to anchor the seed. The radicle enables the embryo to absorb water and minerals from the soil (Jirage 1).A study on the effects of treatment on seed germination will be carried out as a laboratory experiment. The experiment will involve a non-dominant maize seed and a treatment acid. The experiment will comprise three setups. The first set-up will involve low level of the acid and the second will contain high levels of the acid.

The third set-up will be a control- experiment that will not involve any treatment.The objectives of the experimentThe purpose of the experiment is to determine if pre-treating a seed with rooting hormone (Gibberellic Acid) affects the rate of germinationThe effect of gibberellic acid hormone to seed germination.Pre-treating with an appropriate concentration of Gibberellic acid (hormone G A3) plays an import role in the induction of tolerance to salinity. Additionally, it helps the seed overcome the environmental stress, such as osmotic effects, nutritional imbalance and ionic toxicity.

This can be achieved through strong root and shoot length that gives a response to salt stress (Jamil 554-658).Works CitedJamil, Rha. Gibberellic acid (GA3) in seed germination and early seedling growth. 2007. Pakistan. J Bio Sci. 10:4:654-658. Print Jirage, Reshma. Steps in Seed Germination. Buzzle. 2012. Web.