The Seed Germination Process — Reading Comprehension

A seed may look small and simple, but inside it carries everything needed to grow into a new plant. Each seed contains an embryo (the baby plant), stored food, and a protective coat. When the right conditions the embryo begins to grow. This process is called germination, and it marks the beginning of a plant’s life cycle

For a seed to germinate, it needs three important things: water, temperature, and orygen. First, the seed needs water. When a seed gets enough water, it swells up, and its tough outer coat, called the seed coat, softens and breaks open. This lets the baby plant inside start to wake up.

Next, the seed needs warmth. Just like you might feel sleepy on a cold day, a seed needs to be warm enough to start growing. Different seeds need different temperatures, but most like it to be nice and cozy. Warmth gives the seed the energy it needs to grow.

Finally, seeds need oxygen. Air helps the seed breathe and get the energy it needs from the food stored inside it. With water, warmth, and air, the tiny baby plant inside the seed starts to push out a small root. This root grows down into the soil to find more water and nutrients.

Soon after the root appears, a tiny shoot grows upwards towards the sunlight. This is called a sprout! The sprout will develop into a seedling, which is a young plant with its first leaves. These leaves will begin to make food for the plant using sunlight, in a process called photosynthesis. From a tiny seed, a whole new plant is born!

Interesting Fact: Some seeds can wait hundreds or even thousands of years for the right conditions to germinate!

What is the journey of a seed growing into a new plant called?

What important thing makes a seed swell and soften?

Which part of the plant grows down first?

Why does a seed need warmth to grow?

What does a sprout grow into after it appears?

The seed coat protects the baby plant inside.

What is the main role of air in germination?

Which word means a young plant with its first leaves?