Which of the following exhibits the highest rate of respiration?

Options

A. Growing shoot apex
B. Germinating seed
C. Root tip
D. Leaf bud

Explanation

To determine which of the given options exhibits the highest rate of respiration, we will analyze each option based on their metabolic activities.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Options**: The options provided are:
- A) Growing shoot tips
- B) Germinating seeds
- C) Root tips
- D) Leaf buds

2. **Understand Respiration in Plants**: Respiration is a metabolic process that converts glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. The rate of respiration can vary depending on the activity level of the plant part.

3. **Analyze Each Option**:
- **Growing Shoot Tips**: These are actively growing and do require energy, but they are not as metabolically active as germinating seeds.
- **Germinating Seeds**: When seeds absorb water, they activate hydrolytic enzymes that mobilize stored food. This process requires a significant amount of energy, leading to a high rate of respiration.
- **Root Tips**: Root tips are involved in nutrient absorption and growth, but they do not exhibit the same level of metabolic activity as germinating seeds.
- **Leaf Buds**: Leaf buds are also growing but are generally less metabolically active compared to germinating seeds.

4. **Conclusion**: Among all the options, germinating seeds exhibit the highest rate of respiration due to their intense metabolic activity as they mobilize stored nutrients to support growth.

5. **Final Answer**: The correct answer is **B) Germinating seeds**.