# 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

## 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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