Explain how seed dispersal reduces competition with parent plants, then trace water uptake, enzyme activation and food-reserve use during germination.
Outline the metabolic processes during germination of a starchy seed.
water must be absorbed by the seed (to become metabolically active);
gibberellin is produced (in the embryo);
stimulates production of amylase;
which catalyses digestion of starch to maltose;
maltose diffuses to the growing embryo root and shoot/growth regions;
maltose is converted to glucose for (aerobic) cell respiration (to release energy);
or to synthesize materials/cellulose for plant growth;