Describe the parts of a seed and the conditions required for germination. Also, explain the concept of seed viability and dormancy.

a)

• X: Radicle
• Y: Cotyledon
• Z: Plumule

b)

• Stores food for the embryo.
• Carries out photosynthesis after germination (in some plants).
• Absorbs digested food from the endosperm.

c)
A viable seed is a seed that is alive and capable of germinating and developing into a seedling under suitable environmental conditions.

d)
A seed may fail to germinate even under favorable conditions if it is non-viable (e.g., the embryo is dead or damaged) or if it is experiencing dormancy due to internal factors, such as immature embryo or presence of germination inhibitors.

a)
The black color phenotype in all offspring indicates that the allele for black color is dominant over the allele for white color. Since a pure breeding black bull (homozygous dominant) was crossed with a pure breeding white heifer (homozygous recessive), all the first filial generation offspring will be heterozygous and express the dominant black phenotype.