Question

Holly seeds have immature embryos, and if I want to make them germinate I could ______.

a) expose them to red light
b) use cold scarification
c) soak them in water
d) scarificationthem
e) excise their embryos and put them in tissue culture

Answer 1

To trigger germination in holly seeds with immature embryos, cold scarification is an appropriate technique as it breaks seed dormancy and simulates natural conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Germination is the process where seeds develop into new plants. Holly seeds have immature embryos, and to make them germinate, an appropriate method would be to use cold scarification or vernalization. This cold treatment is a way to simulate natural conditions that these seeds would experience in winter, and it helps to break their dormancy. Therefore, if a student wants to make holly seeds germinate, they could (b) use cold scarification. This method ensures that the seeds do not germinate until they experience conditions akin to spring, providing an optimal start for seedling development.