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 following options exhibits the highest rate of respiration, we need to analyze the metabolic activity of each option: the growing shoot apex, the germinating seed, the root tip, and the leaf bud.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Respiration**:
- Respiration in plants is a process that converts glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water. This energy is crucial for various cellular activities, including growth, repair, and functioning.

2. **Identifying the Role of Each Option**:
- **Growing Shoot Apex**: This part of the plant is actively growing, but its energy demands are not as high as those of a germinating seed.
- **Germinating Seed**: A germinating seed is in a phase of rapid growth and development. It requires a significant amount of energy to support the processes of germination, including cell division and growth.
- **Root Tip**: The root tip is also actively growing and requires energy for nutrient absorption and growth, but it typically does not match the energy demands of a germinating seed.
- **Leaf Bud**: Leaf buds are developing leaves, but their metabolic activity is lower compared to the other options.

3. **Comparing Metabolic Activity**:
- Among these options, the germinating seed has the highest metabolic activity because it is in a critical phase of development where it needs to convert stored energy into usable energy for growth.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the germinating seed exhibits the highest rate of respiration due to its significant energy requirements for growth and development.

### Final Answer:
The option that exhibits the highest rate of respiration is the **germinating seed**.

---