The process which brings about entry of water into seed coat when seeds are placed in water for germination is

Options

A. Diffusion
B. Osmosis
C. DPD
D. Imbibition

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Context**: When seeds are placed in water for germination, they undergo a process where water enters the seed coat, causing the seed to swell and prepare for germination.

2. **Identifying the Process**: The specific process that facilitates the entry of water into the seed coat is known as imbibation.

3. **Definition of Imbibation**: Imbibation is the process by which a solid (in this case, the seed) absorbs water. The seed acts as an "imbibent," which is a solid that can absorb water.

4. **Observation of Changes**: When a seed is placed in water, it absorbs the water, leading to an increase in size. This is a physical change that indicates that water has entered the seed.

5. **Exclusion of Other Processes**:
- **Diffusion**: This process involves the movement of water molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, but it does not specifically describe the absorption by a solid.
- **Osmosis**: This is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane, which is not applicable in the context of seeds absorbing water directly.
- **DPD (Diffusion Pressure Deficit)**: This is a term used in plant physiology but does not specifically describe the process of water entry in seeds.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct term for the process that brings about the entry of water into the seed coat when seeds are placed in water for germination is **imbibation**.

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