(a) (i) What is meant by the germination of a seed? Germination refers to the process by which a seed develops into a new plant - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 9 - 2005

Water is needed for germination because it activates enzymes that initiate the metabolic processes necessary for the seed to grow, allowing it to access stored nutrients and energy.

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To investigate the effects of water, oxygen, and temperature on seed germination, I prepared three sets of seeds in test tubes. Each test tube was labeled according to its specific condition (e.g., water, o2, and temperature variations). I ensured one test tube received adequate water, while the other was kept dry. Aeration was controlled to study oxygen's influence, and I varied temperature by placing each set in different environments (e.g., room temperature, warm, and cold).

The experiment demonstrated that seeds exposed to adequate water and optimal temperature germinated successfully, while those lacking water or subjected to extreme temperatures showed significantly reduced germination rates. The control group (seeds with optimal conditions) sprouted within three days, confirming that these factors are essential for germination.