Today is our topic of discussion Reading about a process
Reading about a process
Look at the pictures and read the passage.
Fig : Seeds
Plants grow out of seeds. Seeds remain in a dormant state, if they are kept in a cool and dry condition. But when they are sown or put in a moist soil, they begin to grow or germinate. However, there are certain conditions for the germination of seeds. First, seeds must be alive.
They die when they are dried and kept at a very high temperature. If only the amount of moisture in the soil is of right level the seeds germinate. The soil can be too dry or too cold. In either case, seeds will not germinate.
In the first stage of germination the radicle or the root within the seed comes out.
Fig : Radicle
The radicle begins to grow downwards. Also the main shoot comes out from the seed and appears above the surface of the soil.
Fig : Stem and leaves
Then gradually the root system begins to spread through the soil. Also the shoot begins to grow and produce stems and leaves.
Study these words.
dormant (adj) – inactive; in a resting state. ‘A seed remains dormant’ means it is not growing now, but it is capable of growing later on.
moist (adj) – slightly wet
moisture (n) – water; tiny drops of water
germinate (v) – grow
radicle (n) – the primary root
shoot (n) – a plant that has just began to grow
stem (n) – thin, upright part of a plant
Complete these sentences.
1. If you keep a seed in a cool and dry condition, it will
2. When a seed is dried and kept at a very high temperature, it
3. A seed germinates when.
4. A seed does not germinate
5. The radicle or the root comes out when
6. If the seeds are dead.