What is the Difference Between Sprouting and Germination

The main difference between sprouting and germination is that sprouting is the natural process in which seeds or spores germinate to put out shoots whereas germination is the process of growing from seeds or spores.

In brief, sprouting and germination are two natural processes by which the seeds or spores grow. Usually, when seeds germinate they grow sprouts. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Sprouting
   • Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. What is Germination
   • Definition, Characteristics, Importance
3. Similarities Between Sprouting and Germination
   • Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Sprouting and Germination
   • Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Germination, Sprouting

What is Sprouting

Generally, sprouting is the process of seeds or spores germinating to put out shoots. In addition, plants producing new leaves, buds, or other structures for further growth is also called sprouting. Sprouts of most plants are highly nutritious and can be consumed cooked or raw. The most common examples of edible sprouts are mung bean sprouts, soybean sprouts, wheat sprouts, and broccoli sprouts.

Figure 1: Mung Beans Sprouting

Typically, in the process of sprouting, the seeds are first rinsed to remove soil, dirt, and mucilaginous substances produced by some seeds when they come into contact with water. Then they are soaked for from 20 minutes to 12 hours, depending on the type and size of the seed. The soaking increases the water content in the seeds and brings them out of quiescence. After draining and then rinsing seeds at regular intervals, the seeds then germinate or sprout.

What is a Germination

Germination refers to the growth of organisms from seeds or spores. Plants that produce seeds are called seed plants. Spores are produced by both lower plants as well as fungi. While in the germination process, some seeds are dormant and others non-dormant. Non-dormant seeds start germination with proper humidity and temperature. Imbibition is the uptake of water by the seed. Upon imbibition, seeds expand, enzymes such as gibberellin become activated, and food inside the seed becomes hydrated. The activated enzymes start the metabolic processes, enabling the growth of the embryo. The radical or the root first emerges from the seed coat. Eventually, the shoot emerges from the seed.

Figure 2: Sunflower Seeds Germination

The two types of germination of seed plants are epigeal germination and hypogeal germination. During epigeal germination, the cotyledons of the seed are brought above the ground due to the elongation of the embryonic stem or the hypocotyl. In hypogeal germination, the cotyledons remain in the soil due to the elongation of the epicotyl

Similarities Between Sprouting and Germination

• Sprouting and germination are two natural processes in seeds or spores.
• Both are involved in the production of a new plant.

Difference Between Sprouting and Germination

Definition

Sprouting refers to the process whereby seeds germinate or begin to grow while germination refers to the development of a plant from a seed or spore after a period of dormancy.

Significance

Usually, sprouting is the natural process in which seeds or spores germinate to put out shoots while germination is the process of growing from seeds or spores.

Importance

Normally, sprouting is the process of the production of new growth while germination occurs through an enzymatic process.

Type of Process

Sprouting is a process of growth and development while germination is an enzymatic process.

Conclusion

In brief, sprouting and germination are two processes of new growth. In sprouting, seeds and spores develop into a new plant, whereas in germination, seeds and spores undergo the hydration and activation of enzymes to develop a shoot and roots from the seeds. Thus, this is the main difference between sprouting and germination.

References:

1. Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, August 9). Sprouting. Wikipedia. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
2. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Germination. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved September 5, 2022.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Organic mixed beans shoots” By Hohum- Own Work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Sunflower seedlings” By R.J. Bluemoose~commonswiki – Own Work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia