Germination - Introduction

Introduction

The first stage in the development of a seed, when it grows from seed to seedlingA small plant just starting to grow into its mature form., is germinationThe beginning of growth of a seed.. Like humans, seeds are equipped with their own growing mechanisms. An embryoThe seed of a plant, which through germination can develop into a new plant. and a supply of food exist within these tiny life starters. But until they are exposed to certain conditions of temperature, moisture, oxygen, and in some cases light, seeds remain dormantThe condition of a seed when its growing processes are inactive., or inactive, for days, months, or even hundreds of years. For example, scientists found a North American Arctic lupine seed that was about 10,000 years old. It was the oldest seed found so far, and it eventually grew into a plant similar to today's lupine. The seed waited 10,000 years and sprouted only when the right germination conditions were in place.