How Does Magnesium Chloride Affect Germination

Germination is a process that seeds undergo when the correct exterior conditions are met and water is introduced, allowing seeds to begin the process of growing into a fully mature plant. When enough water is near the seed it enters the cell by osmosis, specifically a type of osmosis called imbibition when the seeds are in a dormant state. The flow of the water into the seed reinstates a hypotonic environment.This recreates turgor pressure inside the cells causing the cell walls to be rigid, the cells to expand, and the seed to start to grow (J. Bewley, 1997). The presence of water inside the seed rehydrates enzymes, cells, and other structures of the seed. Once these important parts of the cell are revived they need energy in order to function so the metabolism of the seed becomes active, allowing all of the parts of the …show more content…
The purpose of the experiment is to observe how magnesium chloride affects the germination process in seeds. In a similar experiment conducted by William Brandenburg and Catherine Kleier (2011) it was determined that small amounts of magnesium chloride (0.01 M) increased and improved germination rates of radish seeds while large amounts (0.1 M) were devastating to both germination and later plant growth. However, in the experiment they conducted, the experimental group was exposed to both the magnesium chloride solution and water. Due to their conclusion, it is hypothesized that if a group of seeds is exposed to an environment with only magnesium chloride then the germination will not occur due to the presence of water being necessary in activating the germination process and the harshness of magnesium chloride on germination in high