Germination is the process by which the plant embryo sprouts a seedling after a period of dormancy in the seed. (The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed., 2008) Dormancy comes from the Latin word meaning “to sleep.” This dormant period in the seed is an adaptation to sustain the seed so that it can survive despite harsh growing conditions. (Campbell, Reece, Urry, Cain, Qasseman, Minorsky & Jackson, 2008) Once these poor conditions are absent, the seed can germinate. The seed will absorb the water, causing it to enlarge. The growing tip of the root will emerge from the seed and the root will begin to grow. (The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed., 2008) All vascular plants have roots, which are multicellular organs used to secure the plant in the soil and absorb water and nutrients. (Campbell, Reece, Urry, Cain, Qasserman, Minorsky & Jackson, 2008) The root also stores carbohydrates, which are a product used in photosynthesis. (Whiting, D., 2011) The root has a cap at the tip to protect the apical meristem, which is a tissue that controls root growth. Even though it is not visible to the naked eye, the root cap provides great benefits to the root. (New World Encyclopedia Contributors, 2004) Generates a fatty substance that acts as a lubricant for the root so it can move more easily in the soil. The outer layer of cells is called the epidermis (Whiting, D., 2011) which forms from mature dermal tissue. The root develops root hairs from the epidermis, which allow the plant to absorb even more water and minerals. (Allen, K.Z., Armstrong, D.M., Bogin, B., Chubb, C., Culp, L., Cunningham, C. J… Wartski, L.M., 2002) Tropisms are responses to directional stimuli that cause the plant to grow consequentially. ..... half of article ...... rman, S.A., Minorsky, P.V., & Jackson, R.B. (2008). Biology. (8th ed.). San Francisco: Pearson Education, Inc.Hangarter, R.P. (2000). Plants in motion. Retrieved from http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/plantmotion/starthere.htmlNew World Encyclopedia Contributors. (2004, April 8). Root. Retrieved from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/rootPlant-and-Flower-Guide. (2009). Tropism. Retrieved from http://www.plant-and-flower-guide.com/tropism.htmlThe Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. (2008). Germination. Retrieved from http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/germination.aspxWhiting, D. (2011). Plant structures: roots. Retrieved from http://www.ext.colostate.edu/mg/gardennotes/132.html Whyte, D. (2013). How do roots grow when the direction of gravity changes?. Retrieved from http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/PlantBio_p034.shtml