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Seed Germination and Dormancy in Plants: NEET Biology Notes & MCQs

🌱 Seed Germination and Dormancy in Plants

A simple Biology guide covering seed germination, essential conditions, dormancy, important concepts and NEET-style MCQs for quick revision.

A seed contains a young plant or embryo along with stored food and protective structures. Under suitable conditions, the embryo resumes growth and the seed develops into a seedling. This process is known as seed germination.

For NEET Biology, it is important to understand not only the definition of germination but also the conditions required, the role of water and the difference between germination and seed dormancy.

1. What Is Seed Germination?

Seed germination is the process by which a viable seed resumes growth under suitable environmental conditions and develops into a seedling.

The process begins when the seed absorbs water. This is called imbibition. Water activates metabolic processes and helps the seed begin its growth.

Basic Sequence of Germination

Water Absorption → Metabolic Activation → Embryo Growth → Radicle Emergence → Seedling Development

Role of the Radicle

The radicle is the embryonic root. During germination, the radicle generally emerges from the seed and develops into the primary root system.

Role of the Plumule

The plumule is the embryonic shoot. It develops into the shoot system of the young plant.

🧠 NEET Memory Trick:

Radicle → Root
Plumule → Shoot

2. Conditions Required for Seed Germination

A viable seed requires suitable environmental conditions for successful germination. The major factors include water, oxygen and suitable temperature.

Water

Water is required for imbibition and for activating metabolic processes. It also helps soften seed coverings and allows stored materials to become available for the growing embryo.

Oxygen

The germinating seed requires oxygen for respiration and energy production. Therefore, excessively waterlogged conditions can interfere with germination by restricting oxygen availability.

Temperature

Different plants have different temperature requirements for germination. A suitable temperature is necessary for enzyme activity and metabolic processes.

Factor Importance
Water Imbibition and activation of metabolism
Oxygen Respiration and energy production
Temperature Supports appropriate metabolic and enzymatic activity

3. Types of Seed Germination

Based on the position of the cotyledons during germination, two commonly discussed types are epigeal and hypogeal germination.

Epigeal Germination

In epigeal germination, the hypocotyl elongates and raises the cotyledons above the soil surface.

A commonly cited example is bean.

Hypogeal Germination

In hypogeal germination, the epicotyl elongates while the cotyledons remain below the soil surface.

Pea is a common example of hypogeal germination.

Feature Epigeal Hypogeal
Main elongating region Hypocotyl Epicotyl
Cotyledons Raised above soil Remain below soil
Example Bean Pea
🎯 NEET Shortcut:

Epigeal → Hypocotyl → Cotyledons above soil
Hypogeal → Epicotyl → Cotyledons below soil

4. Seed Dormancy and NEET Biology MCQs

What Is Seed Dormancy?

Seed dormancy is a condition in which a viable seed does not germinate even when some apparently favourable environmental conditions are available.

Dormancy can help seeds survive periods that are unsuitable for successful seedling establishment.

Why Does Seed Dormancy Occur?

Dormancy can be associated with factors such as impermeable seed coverings, physiological conditions within the seed or the presence of substances that inhibit germination.

The specific cause of dormancy varies among plant species.

Germination vs Dormancy

Feature Germination Dormancy
Growth Embryo resumes growth Growth is temporarily prevented
Condition Suitable conditions Viable seed remains ungerminated
Outcome Seedling develops Germination is delayed

📝 NEET Biology Practice MCQs

Q1. The first important event after a dry viable seed receives water is:

A. Flower formation
B. Imbibition
C. Pollination
D. Fertilisation

Answer: B. Imbibition

Q2. Which embryonic structure develops into the primary root?

A. Plumule
B. Cotyledon
C. Radicle
D. Epicotyl

Answer: C. Radicle

Q3. In epigeal germination, which region generally elongates?

A. Epicotyl
B. Hypocotyl
C. Radicle
D. Root cap

Answer: B. Hypocotyl

Q4. In hypogeal germination, the cotyledons generally:

A. Rise above the soil
B. Remain below the soil
C. Develop into roots
D. Become flowers

Answer: B. Remain below the soil

Q5. Which combination represents important conditions for seed germination?

A. Water, oxygen and suitable temperature
B. Only sunlight
C. Only carbon dioxide
D. Only minerals

Answer: A. Water, oxygen and suitable temperature

Q6. A viable seed that does not germinate despite apparently favourable conditions may be:

A. Dormant
B. Dead
C. Pollinated
D. Fertilised

Answer: A. Dormant

🎯 60-Second Revision

Germination → Resumption of seed growth
Imbibition → Initial water absorption
Radicle → Primary root
Plumule → Shoot
Epigeal → Hypocotyl elongates
Hypogeal → Epicotyl elongates
Bean → Common epigeal example
Pea → Common hypogeal example
Dormancy → Delayed germination of a viable seed

🔗 Continue Your NEET Biology Preparation

This article is part of the NEET Biology for Odisha Students topic cluster. Continue with NCERT-focused Biology notes, Botany revision and MCQs.

Explore NEET Biology Resources →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is seed germination?

Seed germination is the process by which a viable seed resumes growth under suitable conditions and develops into a seedling.

What are the main conditions required for germination?

Water, oxygen and a suitable temperature are important conditions for successful germination.

What is epigeal germination?

In epigeal germination, the hypocotyl elongates and raises the cotyledons above the soil surface.

What is hypogeal germination?

In hypogeal germination, the epicotyl elongates while the cotyledons remain below the soil surface.

What is seed dormancy?

Seed dormancy is a condition in which a viable seed remains ungerminated despite the availability of some apparently favourable conditions.

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