Page 104 - The Miracle In The Seed

THE MIRACLE IN THE SEED

ages to get to the light by putting out long shoots around obstacles in
its path or by applying pressure from its growing tip. A seed’s sense of
direction and determination to reach the light can be understood more
easily by watching a time-lapse film version of its germination.
Since germinating seeds aim to reach the light, seedlings always
move with the intent of surfacing above the soil. But a germinating
seed’s growth takes place in two directions. While the sprout grows
upwards, against gravity, the taproot delves down into the earth.
It’s really thought-provoking that two portions of the same plant
can grow in completely opposite directions. How do both the sprout
and roots know which direction to grow in?
The stimuli that direct a plant’s growth are light and gravity. In
the emerging roots of a germinating seed are cells that can sense grav-
ity, and there are light-sensitive cells in the upward-growing shoot.
Due to these cells’ sensitivity, parts of the plant are guided in the right
direction. These two guidance systems also ensure that if the roots and
the shoot must progress in a horizontal direction, their direction is cor-
rected as soon as possible. 55

Nothing can stop seeds from reaching the
light of day. As they grow, plants can exert
great pressure. For instance, some
seedlings can extend the cracks in a newly
made road.