Why are plants able to germinate without water?

Question

We made an experiment where we had to find out which factors were crucial for a seed to germinate. I was very surprised to find out that with the exception of oxygen, a seed could waive all other factors like water, sunlight, warmth and earth. Can somebody explain to me how this is possible, specially in the case of water?

I'm very aware of the fact that a plant needs all those factors to grow healthy, I'm just focusing on the ability to germinate, even if the plant dies directly after that.

glenn t · Answer

food stored in the cotyledon

bravozulu · Answer

There is going to be some water in the seed. Even if there isn't enough water in the seed it is possible that it can get enough water from metabolizing sugar. It would surprise me too if it germinated without water but not because it couldn't. They usually wait until it is moist enough to grow. That may not apply to all seeds though.

"Organisms capable of aerobic respiration metabolize glucose and oxygen to release energy with carbon dioxide and water as byproducts."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbohydrate_metaboli...

"Organisms capable of aerobic respiration metabolize glucose and oxygen to release energy with carbon dioxide and water as byproducts."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbohydrate_metabolism

Why are plants able to germinate without water?

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