Explain various factors/ conditions that influence seed germination.

a)Water;
-Water activates enzymes involved in germination;
-Provides a medium for enzymes to act and breakdown stored food into soluble form;
-It hydrolyzes and dissolves the stored food substances;
-It softens the seed coat which swells and bursts to facilitate emergence of radicle;
-It acts as a medium of transport of dissolved food substances to the growing regions of radicle and plumule;
b)Oxygen;
-It is required for oxidation of food substances in respiration; to provide energy for cell division and growth;
c)Temperature;
-Seeds require optimum temperature for germination; At very low temperature the temperatures are inactivated hence there is no germination; At very high temperatures the enzymes in seeds are denatured/ destroyed hence there is no germination;
d)Enzymes;
-They catalyze hydrolysis if stored/ insoluble food into soluble substances;
e)Hormones;
-They act as growth regulators and also counteract the effect of germination inhibitors;