Describe the phases of seed germination with a diagram.

(N/A) Seed germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. It involves several key stages:
$1$. Imbibition: The seed absorbs water,causing it to swell and rupture the seed coat $(testa)$.
$2$. Activation: Metabolic activities resume,and enzymes are activated to break down stored food reserves.
$3$. Emergence of Radicle: The radicle (embryonic root) emerges first,growing downwards into the soil to anchor the plant and absorb water.
$4$. Emergence of Plumule: The plumule (embryonic shoot) grows upwards towards the light. In epigeal germination (as shown in the diagram),the hypocotyl elongates,pushing the cotyledons above the soil surface.
$5$. Development: The cotyledons provide initial nutrition until the first true leaves develop and the plant begins photosynthesis.
The provided diagram illustrates the germination of a bean seed,showing the emergence of the radicle,the elongation of the hypocotyl,and the development of the epicotyl and true leaves.