The Question is from neet-botany plant-growth-and-development , and it was created by the author NISHANTH

Question

A researcher observes that a batch of dormant seeds fails to germinate even after scarification and exposure to favorable conditions.  Suspecting the presence of a volatile inhibitor, which experimental setup is MOST appropriate to confirm this hypothesis?

NISHANTH · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Experimental design to test for volatile inhibitors in seed germination.
 **Related Topics**: Plant physiology, seed dormancy, germination inhibitors.
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of experimental controls, volatile compounds, and seed germination processes.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  Dormant seeds fail to germinate despite scarification and favorable conditions.
  Hypothesis: A volatile inhibitor is present.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Identify the best method to test for a volatile inhibitor.
  Reasoning: A volatile inhibitor would need to be able to move through the air to affect other seeds.  Therefore, a closed container setup is necessary to allow for the transfer of the hypothesized volatile compound from the dormant seeds to the non-dormant seeds.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable, this is a design-based question.
 2. Evaluate each option for its suitability.
  Working: Option B directly tests the hypothesis.  If a volatile inhibitor is present, it should inhibit germination in the nearby non-dormant seeds. Options A, C, and D do not directly test for a volatile inhibitor.
  Key Point: The key is to test the volatility of the potential inhibitor.  A closed container provides the necessary environment for gaseous exchange.
 3. Select the most appropriate experimental setup.
  Result: Option B is the most appropriate method to test the hypothesis.
  Verification: Option B directly addresses the hypothesis by testing whether a volatile substance from the dormant seeds inhibits germination in other seeds.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Grinding the seeds destroys the volatile compound's ability to act as a gaseous inhibitor. The extract might contain other inhibitory substances but wouldn't demonstrate volatility.
B ✓: This setup allows for the potential volatile inhibitor to move from the dormant seeds to the non-dormant seeds, directly testing the hypothesis.
C :x: Exposing seeds to ethylene might affect germination, but it doesn't test the hypothesis about a specific volatile inhibitor from the dormant seeds.
D :x: Gibberellic acid is a plant hormone that promotes germination. This treatment doesn't test for an inhibitor.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Choosing a method that doesn't test for volatility (A, C, D): Focusing on the effects of the inhibitor without considering its gaseous nature.
  2.Overlooking the importance of a control group:  A proper experiment needs a control group (non-dormant seeds without exposure to the potential inhibitor).
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.For volatile inhibitors, think gas exchange and closed containers.
  2.Always focus on directly testing the proposed hypothesis.

NISHANTH · Answer

Grind the dormant seeds and apply the extract to non-dormant seeds.

NISHANTH · Answer

The correct Option is "Place the dormant seeds in a closed container with non-dormant seeds of a different species and observe germination rates."

NISHANTH · Answer

Expose the dormant seeds to high concentrations of ethylene gas.

NISHANTH · Answer

Soak the dormant seeds in a solution of gibberellic acid.

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