Explain how a seed turns into a grown plant and the role of water and sunlight in this process.
Answer
A seed contains an embryo and food reserve. When it takes up water, it swells and the embryo starts to grow. The first part to emerge is the root, followed by the shoot. As leaves appear, they absorb sunlight. Sunlight, together with water and minerals from the soil, allows the plant to carry out photosynthesis, which makes food for further growth. Thus, water hydrates the seed and sunlight powers photosynthesis, both essential for a seed to develop into a mature plant.
Step-by-step solution
- Recognise that a seed has an embryo and food stores.
- Realise that water absorption hydrates the seed and swells it.
- Understand that swelling triggers germination and the first growth of the root.
- Note that after the root, the shoot rises and leaves appear.
- Know that leaves use sunlight to perform photosynthesis.
- See that photosynthesis, powered by sunlight, converts water and CO₂ into food.
- Conclude that water and sunlight together enable the seed to become a grown plant.
Common mistake: Omitting the role of water or sunlight
Concept tested: Seed germination and plant growth
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
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