This document discusses seed structure, maturation, dormancy, viability, and germination. It provides the following key points: - Seeds undergo maturation on the parent plant where they become dormant through dehydration and a reduction in organelles and metabolism. - Dormancy is maintained by physical barriers like the waxy seed coat and chemical inhibitors, as well as the dehydrated physical state and lack of growth promoters. - Germination breaks dormancy through rehydration, abrasion or cracking of the seed coat, and exposure to light, temperature, and water which stimulates respiration and protein synthesis leading to cell division. - Factors like water, oxygen, warmth and sometimes light