What is the process of seed germination?

Seed germination is specifically defined as the process in which a seed develops into a new plant. This critical stage marks the transformation of a dormant seed into an actively growing seedling, culminating in the emergence of the plant above the soil surface.

During germination, several physiological changes occur within the seed. First, the seed absorbs water, which activates metabolic processes. Following this hydration, the seed begins to swell and the seed coat softens, facilitating the growth of the embryonic plant. Enzymatic activities start breaking down stored nutrients within the seed, providing the necessary energy for growth. As a result, the radicle (the embryonic root) emerges first, anchoring the plant and beginning the process of nutrient uptake.

This process is distinct from dormancy, which refers to a state of metabolic inactivity that allows seeds to withstand unfavorable conditions, and it is separate from the dispersal of seeds, which involves the movement of seeds away from the parent plant to a new location where they can germinate when conditions are right. Thus, the definition of germination centers around the actual development of a new plant from the seed, making it the correct answer in this context.