Before germination, a seed goes through a resting period called dormancy. Seed germination is a complex physiological process that begins with the imbibition of water after possible dormancy mechanisms have been released by the appropriate triggers, meaning that the seed resumes growth by bursting through its coat. (The Seed Biology Place, 2009) This layer acts to protect the internal embryo from the elements, parasites, and mechanical damage while it is still dormant (Washington State University 1999). Germination can only take place under specific circumstances, involving appropriate temperature, oxygen, water and sunlight. For a seed to germinate, it takes different times depending on the species, although this can be speeded up using various methods. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay Dormancy is “a condition characterized by an extremely low metabolic rate and suspension of growth and development” (Urry, Cain , Wasserman, Minorsky & Reece, 2017) In plants, dormancy is caused by many factors, including light, temperature, humidity, and the presence of abscisic acid (ABA), which slows growth and promotes seed dormancy. (Urry, Cain, Wasserman, Minorsky & Reece, 2017) All of these things would generally be overcome in the natural environment of the seed. It is therefore important to maintain water, oxygen and temperature at optimal levels for germination. Temperature is important because it can affect the presence of germination inhibitors (RCN 2004). When the temperature is not ideal, these chemicals continue to prevent further growth of the embryo, to ensure that the seed germinates under conditions favorable for continued growth and metabolism. The temperature favored for germination varies considerably between plant species, depending on their environment. If the oxygen supply is insufficient, germination may not occur (Aggie Horticulture 2009). Oxygen is necessary for respiration, which means its lack will cause the plant to die shortly after germination. Before the embryo can emerge from its coat, there is a large intake of water which helps the embryo develop and burst through its cast. (Washington State University, 1999). Light is also a factor for some plants because they need it for photosynthesis. When buried too deep, the plant will eventually die from a lack of food that cannot replenish itself (Aggie Horticulture 2009). Plants have a tolerance level for the salinity of their substrate, in which they will germinate. Both soil and water contain small concentrations of naturally occurring salt, which plants have evolved to tolerate (ABC 2006). Solution concentrations: 0.00% 0.25% 0.50% 0.75% 1.00% Dependent variable Number of days required for seed germination. Controls Water Amount – All seeds will receive 100ml of water when planting, and will not be given any more. They will all receive the same amount of water with different salt concentrations. Water is retained by placing clear plastic wrap over the containers to prevent the water from evaporating. Salt – “La Fina” iodized table salt will be used in all soils treated with salt. Seeds – “Yates” Vicia faba bean seeds will be used throughout the experiment. Water – The water used on the seeds will come from the same tap during the entire experiment. This is to reduce any variation in levels of.