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Need help with a question about this experiment on germination of seedlings. I did an experiment where we used seedlings of Lepidium sativum to see under which conditions it would germinate. We'd use cotton wool and dampen it, and placing the seedlings at the bottom. Depending on which bottle it was, some were mixed with dampened cotton wool, and others weren't. Then the opening of the bottle was covered, except for one which was covered with a lid.

Now, I have to explain my results in my lab report. I can't find a solid source on what factors that cause the germination of seedlings. I've covered cellular respiration, and photosynthesis, but I don't know how to proceed from here. Bear also in mind that there's no soil in which the seed is germinating, so I will have to be able to explain this.

Second of all, could someone clue me in on how moisture is important for the germination of seedlings? Should I also bring up the physiology of seedlings and how they're growing?

Hello,

I think you're already on the right track by talking about photosynthesis and cellular respiration! The main factors that seedlings need to germinate are water, oxygen, and the right temperature. Here are some sources that explain how each of these things contribute to germination.

https://www.science.org.au/curious/eart ... ermination

https://sciencing.com/advantages-do-see ... 47491.html

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/ ... /seed.html

It also looks like the main benefit of adding cotton to the seedlings is that it gives them a place for their roots to attach. You might want to mention that in your report as well.

I hope this helps! Let us know if you need more information or assistance.