Germination Process Of Gram Seed And Stages

Gram seeds (chickpeas) undergo a process called hypogeal germination. The "hypo" prefix means "under" and "geal" refers to the earth. This means the cotyledons (the seed leaves) remain below the ground after germination.

The process occurs in distinct stages:

1. Imbibition: The process begins when the dormant, dry seed absorbs water, primarily through the small pore called the micropyle. This causes the seed to swell, which softens and eventually ruptures the tough seed coat.
2. Enzyme Activation: The absorbed water activates enzymes within the cotyledons. These enzymes begin to break down the stored food (starch, proteins) into simpler, soluble forms (sugars, amino acids) that the embryo can use for energy.
3. Radicle Emergence: The radicle (embryonic root) is the first part of the embryo to emerge. It grows downwards into the soil, anchoring the seedling and beginning to absorb water and minerals. It develops into the primary root.
4. Plumule Growth: The Read this: epicotyl (the part of the embryonic axis above the cotyledons) begins to elongate. It pushes the plumule (embryonic shoot) upwards, protecting the delicate first leaves as it pushes through the soil.
5. Seedling Establishment: Once the epicotyl breaks the soil surface, the plumule unfurls its first true leaves. These leaves turn green and begin photosynthesis, making their own food. The cotyledons, their food stores now depleted, remain underground and shrivel away.