Page 32 - 新思维科学学生用书5 样章

1.4 Seed germination

When a seed starts to grow, we say it germinates. This process is called germination.
The seed uses its food store to give it the energy to grow. Before the seed can start to

grow, it needs water. Germination starts when the seed takes in or absorbs water. The
seed shrivels and becomes small after germination. Here are the stages in germination

of a bean seed.

The shoot grows up above the ground
The first
The first shoot starts to grow
leaves
grow

Side roots
grow
Seed absorbs Seed coat
water and swells splits The first root The root grows
starts to grow down into the soil

Seeds can live without germinating

for years until the conditions become

suitable. A 1300-year-old seed from
a lotus flower found at the bottom

of a lake in China was germinated
successfully.

31