Germination (Vegetative Propagation) Multiple Choice

Study Notes

Germination

The process of seed development into a plant
Requires water, oxygen, suitable temperature, and food reserves
Begins with the radicle (root) emerging from the seed and growing downwards
Followed by the plumule (shoot) growing upwards
The plant loses weight until leaves emerge and photosynthesis begins
Plant gains weight once photosynthesis occurs
Hypogeal germination: seed stays below ground
Epigeal germination: seed is carried above ground

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction without gametes, resulting in genetically identical offspring
Also known as vegetative propagation
Commonly used for plant cloning

Natural Propagation

Stem Tubers:
- Swollen underground stems, like potatoes
- Contains axillary buds that produce new shoots and roots using stored food
- Parent tuber eventually dies
Root Tubers:
- Swollen lateral roots, like sweet potatoes
- Store food and act as perennating organs, allowing the plant to survive through seasons
Bulbs:
- Underground swollen bud, like daffodils
- Contains a small stem, terminal bud, and axillary buds enclosed in food-rich leaf bases
- Axillary buds can develop into independent plants using stored food
Plantlets:
- Miniature plants formed on leaf edges, like strawberry plants
- Have roots that grow into the ground quickly
- Strawberry plants also produce runners, which are modified stems with plantlets at the end
- Plantlets attached to the parent plant receive nourishment, enhancing survival
- Runners wither once the plantlet becomes independent

Artificial Propagation

Cuttings:
- Removing a part of a shoot and planting it in soil or water for root development
- Rooting powder can be used to promote rapid root formation
Layering:
- Pegging a cut shoot into soil to develop into a new plant
- Adventitious roots develop after about a year before the new plant is cut off from the parent plant
Grafting:
- Joining a shoot (scion) to a rootstock (root)
- Cambium layers unite to form a single plant
Micropropagation:
- Growing individual cells (stem, root, or leaf) in tissue culture for plant production
- Useful for houseplants and commercial crops

Description

Explore the fascinating processes of germination and asexual reproduction in plants. Understand how seeds develop into plants and the various methods of natural propagation. This quiz covers key concepts such as hypogeal and epigeal germination, as well as vegetative propagation techniques.