Question

In an experiment to investigate the effect of temperature on seed germination, soaked maize seeds were subjected to varying temperatures as tabulated below. 3.

Temperature (°C)	0	6	12	17	28	33	41.5	51
Percentage germination (%)	0	0	2.5	5	13	44	26	3

 

1. Account for the percentage germination at:
   • 6°C; 
   • 33°C. 
2. State two internal factors that affect seed germination

Answer 1

1.   
   • No germination due to low temperature, inactivating enzymes
   • Percentage germination highest as temp was most favourable/ enzymes worked their best? optimum
      
2. Embryo
   Seed coat
   Growth hormones
   Enzymes
   Inhibitors
   Viability