Biology · 16 Germination · Paper 5/6 practical
Germination. What seeds need.
Four tubes of cress seeds, each missing one condition. Run the clock over a week: only the tube with water, warmth and oxygen germinates. Each other tube is a controlled test that removes a single factor.
0610 — Germination
water · warmth · oxygen
Paper 5/6 — Practical
Day 0
The four tubes
Conclusion
Run the clock to compare the tubes.
📋 Method & ideas
- Tube A (control): damp cotton wool, room temperature, open to air → germinates.
- Tube B: dry cotton wool, room temperature, air → no germination (no water).
- Tube C: damp cotton wool in a refrigerator → no germination (too cold / no warmth).
- Tube D: boiled water (no oxygen) with a layer of oil on top → no germination (no oxygen).
- Comparing the tubes shows seeds need water, warmth and oxygen to germinate. (Light is not needed.)
⚠ Fair test & precautions
- Use the same number and type of seeds in each tube; change only one condition per tube.
- Tube D's water is boiled to drive off dissolved oxygen, then covered with oil to keep air out.
- Leave for the same time and compare with the control (Tube A).
🎯 Syllabus reference (0610)
- 16 Reproduction — investigate and state the environmental conditions needed for germination: water, suitable temperature (warmth) and oxygen.