1.

2 How seeds grow

Activity 1.2 - Answers to Learner’s Book questions (Pg-9)

1. Why do seeds need to absorb water?

Seeds need to absorb water to start the growth process/germination.

2.(a) Which part of the new bean plant grows first?

The first root is the first part to grow.

(b) Suggest a reason why this part grows downwards.

The first root grows downwards to get water and to anchor the new plant
in the ground.

3. In which direction does the first shoot grow and why?

The first shoot grows upwards. It needs to break through the soil to get
light.

4. Why do you think the new leaves start to grow above the ground?
The new leaves start to grow above the ground because they need light so
they can make food for the plant.

5. Why do you think the seed shrivels and becomes small after germination?
The seed shrivels and becomes small after germination because the food store
gets used up during germination.

Talk about it!

Can new plants only grow from seeds?

Ferns are non-flowering plants. They don’t have seeds. They grow from spores.
New onions can grow from the onion bulb that we eat.
Some plants can grow from leaves. Talk about it! (p- 11) The temperature increases
in spring which encourages germination. Also, many parts of the world get rain in
spring, or the ground is still damp after winter rain.