Question

The first step in the flux of water into a plant seed is
(A) Osmosis
(B) Imbibition
(C) Absorption
(D) Suction

Answer 1

Hint: Germination is the seed cycle which develops into new plants. Firstly, environmental conditions must trigger growing seed. It is generally determined by how far the seed is grown, by the quality of water and by the temperature. When water is plentiful, a process called imbibition fills the seed with water. The water activates special proteins , called enzymes, which begin the seed growth process.

Complete answer:
Process of seed germination:
The seeds suck up water quickly during the initial stage of germination and this results in the seed coat swelling and softening at an optimal temperature. This stage is called an Imbibition. It begins the cycle of growth by activation of enzymes.
The seed activates its internal physiology and begins breathing and producing proteins, and metabolizes the food stored. This is a lag phase of the seed germination.
When the seed coat splits, radicles emerge to form a primary root. The seed continues to consume underfloor water. After the radicle and plumule emerge, shoot begins to grow upwards.
In the final stage of seed germination, the seed cell becomes metabolically active, elongates, and divides to create seedling.

So, the correct answer is Imbibition.

    Fig. Seed Germination Process

Note: There are several factors that affect Imbibition. They are:
pressure, texture of the imbibant, pH of the medium, affinity of the imbibant for the imbibed.