Underlying Biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms for Seed Germination

Abstract

With the burgeoning population of the world, the successful germination of seeds to achieve maximum crop production is very important. Seed germination is a precise balance of phytohormones, light, and temperature that induces endosperm decay. Abscisic acid and gibberellins—mainly with auxins, ethylene, and jasmonic and salicylic acid through interdependent molecular pathways—lead to the rupture of the seed testa, after which the radicle protrudes out and the endosperm provides nutrients according to its growing energy demand. The incident light wavelength and low and supra-optimal temperature modulates phytohormone signaling pathways that induce the synthesis of ROS, which results in the maintenance of seed dormancy and germination. In this review, we have summarized in detail the biochemical and molecular processes occurring in the seed that lead to the germination of the seed. Moreover, an accurate explanation in chronological order of how phytohormones inside the seed act in accordance with the temperature and light signals from outside to degenerate the seed testa for the thriving seed’s germination has also been discussed.

Effects of different levels of gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate solutions on the emergence and seedling vigor of amaranth and Cleome gynandra

“…CYP707A1 degrades ABA that occurs during the mid-maturation stage of the development of the seed, while CYP707A2 is expressed during the late-maturation stage of the development of the seed and is highly expressed after the imbibition process occurs (Yan et al, 2015). Overexpression of GA 3 biosynthesis genes for instant ENT-kaurene oxidase 1 (KO1), GA20ox3, and gibberellins 3-oxidase 1 (GA3ox1) causes the weakening of seed coat leading to seed germination (Farooq et al, 2022;Jiang et al, 2016;Zou et al, 2019). Germination of seeds can be caused by the activation of GA 3 signaling genes such as CTS (Skubacz & Daszkowska-Golec, 2017).…”

“…Overexpression of GA 3 biosynthesis genes for instant ENT‐kaurene oxidase 1 (KO1), GA20ox3, and gibberellins 3‐oxidase 1 (GA3ox1) causes the weakening of seed coat leading to seed germination (Farooq et al., 2022; Jiang et al., 2016; Zou et al., 2019). Germination of seeds can be caused by the activation of GA 3 signaling genes such as CTS (Skubacz & Daszkowska‐Golec, 2017).…”

“…Germination can occur as a result of the weakening of seed coat due to overexpression of GA 3 biosynthesis genes such as gibberellins 3‐oxidase 1 (GA3ox1) and gibberellins 20‐oxidase 3 (GA20ox3) (Farooq et al., 2022; Jiang et al., 2016; Zou et al., 2019). The regulation of comatose ( CTS ) (GA 3 signaling gene) is a key component leading to dormancy or germination.…”

Biochar-Dual Oxidant Composite Particles Alleviate the Oxidative Stress of Phenolic Acid on Tomato Seed Germination

“…Seed germination is the critical initial stage of the plant life cycle, affecting subsequent plant development and crop yield [ 30 ]. Allelochemicals accumulated in soil by plants inhibit seed germination and seedling development.…”

Noninvasive Methods to Detect Reactive Oxygen Species as a Proxy of Seed Quality

“…ROS production is a side effect of many metabolic pathways (e.g., mitochondrial and plastid electron transport chains, peroxisomal reactions, lipid autooxidation) occurring both under physiological and stress conditions [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Uncontrolled ROS accumulation causes oxidative damage and compromises seed viability [ 13 , 14 ].…”