Question 17 refers to the following statements which describe the different stages of a seed germinating into a seedling. I. The shoot grows upwards. II. The root grows downwards III. The seedling develops its first leaves. IV. The young plant uses sunlight to make food. 17. Which of the following options shows the stages of germination in the correct order? (A) I,III,II, IV (B) II, III, I, IV (C) II, I, III, IV (D) III, IV, I, II

The correct order of the stages of germination is:<br /><br />(C) II, I, III, IV<br /><br />Here's a brief explanation of each stage:<br /><br />II. The root grows downwards - This is the first stage of germination, where the radicle (the embryonic root) emerges from the seed and begins to grow downward into the soil.<br /><br />I. The shoot grows upwards - After the root has emerged, the shoot (plumule) begins to grow upward towards the light.<br /><br />III. The seedling develops its first leaves - As the shoot grows, it eventually develops its first set of leaves, which are typically called cotyledons. These leaves are the first true leaves of the seedling and are essential for photosynthesis.<br /><br />IV. The young plant uses sunlight to make food - Once the leaves have developed, the seedling can begin the process of photosynthesis, using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, which provides energy for the plant's growth.