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Plant Biology: Germination

Plant Biology: Germination. Unit 5 – Plant Anatomy, Growth & Function Mr. Tsigaridis. Seed Germination. Seeds initially germinate as they absorb water, bursting the seed coat so the growing plant can produce energy

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Plant Biology: Germination

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  1. Plant Biology: Germination Unit 5 – Plant Anatomy, Growth & Function Mr. Tsigaridis

  2. Seed Germination • Seeds initially germinate as they absorb water, bursting the seed coat so the growing plant can produce energy • This starts a chain of chemical reactions which will result in the development of a plant embryo

  3. Steps in Seed Germination • Water is added (most important) • Activates enzymes necessary for cellular respiration in the maturing seedling so it can produce the energy needed to grow • Seeds are exposed to heat • Chemical energy in seed’s starch is converted to glucose during germination • Seeds are exposed to light • Chemical energy in seed’s starch is converted to glucose during germination • Oxygen is available

  4. Seed Dormancy • Dormancy is the block of complete germination of a viable seed under favourable conditions • Advantage: Germination is delayed until conditions are favourable for the survival of both the seed and the maturing plant • Ex. Even though some conditions are favourable in late November, dormancy occurs due to the onset of winter. • Seed banks are a plant strategy to ensure that not all the seeds of one species germinate in a single year. This insurance save a species in the event of a catastrophic drought, extreme cold, etc.

  5. Nutrients In Order of Priority • CO2 and H2O  needed for photosynthesis! • N2 (from organic material)  needed to produce proteins, nucleic acids, chlorophyll and leaf growth • NH3 from animal waste • NO2 and NO3 from decayed materials • Nitrogen fixing bacteria contain N2 gas and convert it to nitrates • Others... (next slide)

  6. Nitrogen Cycle

  7. Other Essential Nutrients You tell me! Brainstorm time!

  8. Other Essential Nutrients

  9. Fertilizers

  10. Case Study: Monsanto • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLzELDt3d2I • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHfI9jltIeA • Punch lines: • Monsanto is a pesticide producer, ex. “Roundup” • Monsanto also produces GMO seeds, genetically modified to resist its own pesticide. Farmers who purchase Monsanto’s seeds are guaranteed to not kill their crops when applying Roundup. • Monsanto has patented their GMO “terminator seeds” that are only good for one season, so farmers must buy more each season • Any farmer caught with Monsanto seeds in their field (even from wind, cross-pollination) is charged and must either: • Pay royalties (portion of profits) on all their future revenues • Switch to using exclusively Monsanto seeds

  11. More Monsanto... • Agent Orange • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tznQ2Bko5X4 • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJxb7CY13uc

  12. Key Words: Germination • Germinate • Dormancy • Seed bank

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