Describe the conditions needed for a seed to germinate, and explain why each condition is necessary.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 16.3 Sexual reproduction in plants · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

1. Water – it hydrates the seed, activates enzymes and allows the embryo to grow.
2. Oxygen – required for aerobic respiration, which releases the energy needed for growth.
3. A suitable temperature – provides the optimal environment for enzyme activity.
4. Temperature – at the optimum, enzymes work efficiently; at low temperatures enzyme activity is reduced, keeping the seed dormant.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms: water, oxygen, temperature, enzyme activity. Explain each condition’s role – hydration, respiration, enzyme function. Keep each point brief and separate with numbers to show structure.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up the role of water and oxygen; forgetting to mention enzyme activity. Using vague language such as "good conditions" instead of specific terms.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Water is needed for germination
  2. Oxygen is needed for germination, linked to respiration / energy release
  3. A suitable / optimum temperature is needed for germination
  4. Temperature linked to enzyme activity — enzymes in the seed work at the optimum temperature / seeds are dormant in cold / low temperatures because enzyme activity is reduced

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