Introduction: Gibberellins are a class of plant hormones that play a crucial role in various aspects of plant growth and development. One of their key functions is promoting seed germination.

Seed Germination: Seed germination is the process by which a seed develops into a seedling. It involves the activation of metabolic processes and growth of the embryo within the seed. Gibberellins are involved in several stages of seed germination, including:

1. Breaking Seed Dormancy: Many seeds have a period of dormancy, during which they remain inactive and do not germinate even under favorable conditions. Gibberellins can break seed dormancy by stimulating the production of enzymes called amylases. Amylases break down starch stored in the endosperm of the seed into simple sugars, which serve as an energy source for the growing embryo.

2. Activation of Embryo Growth: Gibberellins also promote the growth of the embryo by stimulating cell division and elongation. They activate the synthesis of DNA and RNA, which are essential for cellular growth and development. Additionally, gibberellins stimulate the production of proteins and enzymes that are involved in various metabolic processes required for embryo growth.

3. Stimulating Water Uptake: Gibberellins enhance the permeability of the seed coat, allowing water to enter the seed more easily. This is particularly important for seeds that have hard or impermeable seed coats. By facilitating water uptake, gibberellins ensure that the embryo receives the necessary moisture for germination.

4. Overcoming Inhibitory Factors: Some compounds present in seeds, such as abscisic acid, can inhibit seed germination. Gibberellins counteract the inhibitory effects of these compounds, allowing the germination process to proceed.

Conclusion: In summary, gibberellins promote seed germination by breaking seed dormancy, activating embryo growth, stimulating water uptake, and overcoming inhibitory factors. These hormones play a crucial role in ensuring successful seedling establishment and are essential for plant survival and reproduction.