Question:
Which one the following statements is correct?
(A). Seeds can remain dormant for indefinite periods until environmental conditions are favorable for germination
(B). Seed dormancy in crops can be broken by mechanical scarification or chemical treatments
(C). Light is a necessary environmental factor for the germination of all seeds
(D). A thick seed coat and impermeability can prevent water and gases from entering the seed, delaying germination.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Which one the following statements is correct?
(A). Seeds can remain dormant for indefinite periods until environmental conditions are favorable for germination
(B). Seed dormancy in crops can be broken by mechanical scarification or chemical treatments
(C). Light is a necessary environmental factor for the germination of all seeds
(D). A thick seed coat and impermeability can prevent water and gases from entering the seed, delaying germination.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(A). Seeds can remain dormant for indefinite periods until environmental conditions are favorable for germination
(B). Seed dormancy in crops can be broken by mechanical scarification or chemical treatments
(C). Light is a necessary environmental factor for the germination of all seeds
(D). A thick seed coat and impermeability can prevent water and gases from entering the seed, delaying germination.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Show Hint
To break physical dormancy in agricultural seeds with thick coats (such as alfalfa or cotton), commercial operations often use sulfuric acid treatment or hot water soaking.
Updated On: Jul 13, 2026
- (A) and (D)
- (B) only
- (C) only
- (B) and (D)
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Seed dormancy is an evolutionary adaptation that prevents viable seeds from germinating under temporarily favorable conditions that may not sustain subsequent seedling growth.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each statement:
- Statement (B) is correct: Physical seed dormancy (caused by hard, impermeable seed coats) can be broken mechanically (by nicking, sanding, or scarification) or chemically (using acids or solvents) to allow water and gases to enter.
- Statement (D) is correct: A thick, impermeable seed coat prevents the entry of water (imbibition) and oxygen, which are required to activate seed metabolism. This delays germination until the seed coat is degraded.
- Statement (A) is incorrect: Seeds cannot remain dormant for "indefinite" periods. Over time, viability declines due to metabolic exhaustion, lipid peroxidation, and cellular damage, leading to seed death.
- Statement (C) is incorrect: Light is not required for all seeds to germinate. While some seeds (photoblastic seeds, like lettuce) require light, many seeds germinate equally well or only in complete darkness (non-photoblastic or negatively photoblastic seeds).
Therefore, only statements (B) and (D) are correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (D).
Seed dormancy is an evolutionary adaptation that prevents viable seeds from germinating under temporarily favorable conditions that may not sustain subsequent seedling growth.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each statement:
- Statement (B) is correct: Physical seed dormancy (caused by hard, impermeable seed coats) can be broken mechanically (by nicking, sanding, or scarification) or chemically (using acids or solvents) to allow water and gases to enter.
- Statement (D) is correct: A thick, impermeable seed coat prevents the entry of water (imbibition) and oxygen, which are required to activate seed metabolism. This delays germination until the seed coat is degraded.
- Statement (A) is incorrect: Seeds cannot remain dormant for "indefinite" periods. Over time, viability declines due to metabolic exhaustion, lipid peroxidation, and cellular damage, leading to seed death.
- Statement (C) is incorrect: Light is not required for all seeds to germinate. While some seeds (photoblastic seeds, like lettuce) require light, many seeds germinate equally well or only in complete darkness (non-photoblastic or negatively photoblastic seeds).
Therefore, only statements (B) and (D) are correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (D).
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