Seed structure and germination
Describe maize and bean seed structure and explain the conditions and sequence needed for germination.
Exam scope and assessment notes
Use this original lesson for the listed 2026, 2027–2028 and 2029–2031 Cambridge syllabus cycles. This route maps Cambridge's 2026 Version 2, 2027–2028 Version 1 and 2029–2031 Version 1 syllabuses. The 2026 update changes only a weblink; Cambridge reports no significant teaching changes for the 2027–2028 or 2029–2031 cycles. Exams are in the November series, and the qualification is not available in every administrative zone; confirm entry with your centre. Centre-selected local crop, weed, pest, disease and livestock examples must be checked against local agriculture. StudyForA does not replace supervised, risk-assessed practical work, the four assessed practical exercises, the individual practical investigation/report, teacher assessment or Cambridge moderation. Online practice is not an official mark or grade.
Before you begin
- Read the syllabus that matches your exam year and confirm your centre can enter you for code 0600. This route maps Cambridge's 2026 Version 2, 2027–2028 Version 1 and 2029–2031 Version 1 syllabuses. The 2026 update changes only a weblink; Cambridge reports no significant teaching changes for the 2027–2028 or 2029–2031 cycles. Exams are in the November series, and the qualification is not available in every administrative zone; confirm entry with your centre. Centre-selected local crop, weed, pest, disease and livestock examples must be checked against local agriculture. StudyForA does not replace supervised, risk-assessed practical work, the four assessed practical exercises, the individual practical investigation/report, teacher assessment or Cambridge moderation. Online practice is not an official mark or grade.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which set of conditions is generally needed for germination?
What you will learn
- Recognise the main parts of maize and bean seeds.
- Explain why water, oxygen and a suitable temperature are needed for germination.
- Compare germination without confusing stored food with photosynthesis.
Identify embryo and food store
A seed contains an embryo that can develop into a seedling, a protective covering and stored food. Maize is a cereal seed with one cotyledon; a bean seed has two cotyledons that store food.
The radicle develops into the root and the plumule develops into the shoot. The seed structure supports early growth before the seedling can make enough food by photosynthesis.
Provide suitable conditions
Water activates metabolic processes and softens the seed covering; oxygen supports respiration; a suitable temperature allows reactions to proceed. Light is not a universal requirement for germination in these examples.
Excess water can exclude oxygen, while very low or high temperatures can slow or prevent germination. Different species have different suitable ranges.
Sources for this lesson
Pause and explain
Which set of conditions is generally needed for germination?
Worked example
Bean seeds are placed on damp cotton wool in a sealed jar with little air. Predict why some may germinate poorly.
Show the worked solution
- Water is available, but the sealed, saturated conditions may reduce oxygen.
- Seeds need oxygen for respiration during germination.
- A suitable temperature and viable seed are also needed.
Answer Poor aeration can limit respiration even when water is present. Germination depends on several conditions and viable seeds.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Explain why dry seeds may remain dormant and what changes after water becomes available.
Give me a hint
Include the role of water and respiration.
Compare my reasoning
- Without water, seed metabolic activity remains very low.
- Water uptake activates processes needed for germination.
- With oxygen and suitable temperature, respiration supports embryo growth and emergence.
Water uptake begins germination processes; oxygen and suitable temperature are also needed for the embryo to grow.
Look for these in your work
- Dormancy described carefully
- Water role included
- Other conditions included
Plan a fair test of the effect of temperature on germination percentage.
Give me a hint
Change one factor and keep seed number, moisture, oxygen and observation period consistent.
Compare my reasoning
- Use equal numbers of the same seed batch in replicated groups.
- Keep water and oxygen conditions similar while placing groups at different suitable temperatures.
- Count germinated seeds after the same period and calculate percentage; follow teacher safety guidance.
A fair test changes temperature while holding seed type, water, oxygen and timing constant, then compares germination percentages across repeats.
Look for these in your work
- One variable changed
- Relevant controls stated
- Outcome measured quantitatively
A seedling has a root but no visible shoot. Give two possible explanations and state what you would inspect next.
Give me a hint
Think about the embryo, seed reserves, temperature, moisture and damage.
Compare my reasoning
- The plumule or shoot may be delayed, damaged or growing below the surface.
- Conditions such as temperature, water, oxygen or seed viability may affect growth.
- Inspect carefully for damage and compare with a healthy control under suitable germination conditions.
A missing visible shoot does not identify one cause. Inspect seedling development and compare conditions and viability before concluding.
Look for these in your work
- More than one explanation
- Seed structure connected
- Next evidence identified
Common mistakes
- Claiming seeds need fertiliser before germinating
- Treating a seed's food store as soil nutrient
- Assuming light is always required for germination
- Giving water without oxygen consideration
What can you explain now?
Which set of conditions is generally needed for germination?
Compare with the explanation
Water, oxygen and a suitable temperature
These conditions support germination in the syllabus examples.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Make it stick
Name the three general germination conditions and state which seed part develops into the root.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.