Instructions for Seed Germination Lab Report

This will be an individual lab report. Each group will perform the experiment and collect the data but the actual writing is to be done on an individual basis.

The lab report will require four (4) sections - Introduction (3 points), Results (7 points), Discussion (7 points), Questions 10 points). An additional 3 points will cover appearance, spelling and grammar. The lab report must be typed in 12 point font and all sections must be in the same font. Clearly indicate the sections of the lab report. Use a formal, analytical style of prose. Do not use words like "got", or "thing" and do not use contractions Part of your grade will be based upon the correct identification of the unknowns. .

Introduction:. Provide an introduction on how how seeds germinate (refer to your text-paraphrase but do not copy). State a purpose for the experiment. The introduction should be at least 50 words.

Results: This section should contain a table with your group's data. You should have a three tables, one for percent germination, one for hypotyl length (root) and one for epicotyl length (shoot). Results for each condition should be averaged.

Discussion: This section should contain three paragraphs. The first paragraph should be a summary of the experiment. This should be between 50 and 75 words. The next paragraph should discuss your results and your conclusions and make specific reference to your results. This should be between 50 and 75 words. The last paragraph should include a discussion of potential sources of error in your results and suggestions for improvement.

Questions: Answer the following questions:

1. Rye is a grass and part of a group of plants called monocotyledons. Compare and contrast monocotyledon and dicotyledon plants.

2. What physical factors influence seed germination?

3. Rye is a cereal grain. What are three others?

4. Ergot is a fungal disease of rye and other grasses. What is the toxin produced by ergot. What is its potential relationship to the Salem witch trials of early New England?

5. Discuss how the conditions under which seeds germinate is a form of natural selection which permits the evolution of plants.