9. (a) (i) Explain what is meant by the term dormancy in seeds - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 9 - 2016
Question 9
9.
(a) (i) Explain what is meant by the term dormancy in seeds.
(ii) How does digestion contribute to successful seed germination?
(b) Answer the followin... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:9. (a) (i) Explain what is meant by the term dormancy in seeds - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 9 - 2016
Step 1
Explain what is meant by the term dormancy in seeds.
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Answer
Dormancy refers to a period of low or no metabolic activity in seeds during which germination does not occur. It is characterized by a state in which the seed remains viable yet inactive, unable to grow or germinate until conditions are favorable.
Step 2
How does digestion contribute to successful seed germination?
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Answer
Digestion plays a crucial role in seed germination by breaking down stored nutrients within the seed into simpler, soluble forms. This allows the nutrients to be transported to the embryo, providing the necessary energy and materials for the developing plant to grow.
Step 3
State whether you carried out this investigation using starch agar or skimmed milk (protein) agar.
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I carried out the investigation using starch agar.
Step 4
Name a type of enzyme in the seed that carries out this digestion.
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Answer
A type of enzyme that carries out this digestion is amylase.
Step 5
Why were the seeds soaked in water at the start of the investigation?
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The seeds were soaked in water to enable metabolic activity (digestion) or to start up the germination process, allowing the seeds to absorb water and activate enzymes.
Step 6
When preparing the seeds, they were also split and sterilised.
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Sterilising the seeds is recommended to kill or remove all microorganisms that may affect the investigation.
The split seeds were placed open-side down on the agar to ensure the enzyme is exposed to or in contact with the substrate.
Step 7
How did you know that digestive activity had occurred on one of your investigation plates?
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I knew that digestive activity had occurred on one of the investigation plates by observing clear areas around the seeds, indicating that digestion had taken place.
Step 8
How did you know that digestive activity had not occurred on one of your investigation plates?
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There were no clear areas around the seeds, and all areas still tested positive for starch.
Step 9
Give one reason for what you observed in part (v).
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The likely reason for the observation was that the seeds were either dead, or the enzyme had been denatured.
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