3.6 understand how germinating seeds utilise food reserves until the seedling can carry out photosynthesis

A developed seed contains:

1. A food store
2. An embryo
3. Hard seed coat

When it starts to germinate (has the right conditions) it gets glucose for respiration from it's own food store. This gives it energy to grow.

Once the plant has grown enough it doesn't have to rely on the food stores as it can use photosynthesis.

3.5 understand the conditions needed for seed germination

Seeds need at least three things for germination:

1. Water - to activate the enzymes to break down the seeds food reserves
2. Oxygen - for respiration which gives energy for growth
3. A suitable temperature - for the enzymes to work (this depends on the seed)