Oxygen in water

An important factor affecting germination is the oxygen concentration available to the seed. Sufficient oxygen must be present for cell respiration to provide adequate energy for germination, because germinating seeds are very metabolically active.

Respiration occurs during germination breaking down storage materials and sugars and converting them to other forms more useful to the seed.

Oxygen may be limiting in heavy soils such as clay or flooded conditions which in turn will affect seed germination. In the next experiment it will be shown how the lack of oxygen will lead germinating seeds to rot.

• Iron stand — 5404.51
• Universal clamp — 5416.20
• Right angle clamp — 5401.16
• Glass tube 34×190 mm — 1464.51
• Glass delivery tube — 1468.02
• Rubber stopper with hole — 5450.75
• Large rubber stopper — 5450.12
• Connection for glass tube — 5449.43
• Mohr's clip — 5431.05

• Distilled water
• Vaseline

• Observe and try to give an explanation.