Fertilization vs. Germination — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 15, 2024
Fertilization is the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote, while germination is the process where seeds develop into new plants.
Difference Between Fertilization and Germination
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fertilization involves the union of sperm and egg cells, initiating the development of a new organism, whereas germination marks the growth of a seed into a seedling under suitable conditions.
During fertilization, genetic material is combined to create a genetically unique organism, while germination depends on external factors like water, oxygen, and suitable temperature to commence.
Fertilization is a brief, yet crucial, biological event that occurs within the reproductive structures of plants or the bodies of animals. In contrast, germination is a longer process visible externally as the seed breaks dormancy.
The success of fertilization often depends on the mechanisms of pollination in plants or mating in animals, whereas germination success is influenced by seed viability and environmental factors.
After fertilization, a seed is formed encapsulating the embryo, while germination involves the emergence of the embryo from the seed as it begins to grow into a new plant.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Fusion of gametes to form a zygote.
Process of a seed developing into a new plant.
Biological Process
Involves genetic combination and zygote formation.
Involves seed sprouting and growth of seedling.
Dependency
Requires viable gametes (sperm and egg).
Requires suitable environmental conditions.
Duration
Occurs quickly, at a specific moment.
Takes place over a period, visible growth.
Outcome
Formation of a seed (in plants).
Growth of the plant from the seed.
Compare with Definitions
Fertilization
A biological process that results in the formation of a zygote.
Human fertilization happens when a sperm cell successfully merges with an ovum.
Germination
The process by which a plant grows from a seed.
Germination in beans starts with the swelling and splitting of the seed coat.
Fertilization
The union of male and female gametes.
In flowering plants, fertilization occurs after pollen reaches the ovule.
Germination
Critical for the continuation of plant species.
Successful germination is essential for the propagation of annual plants.
Fertilization
Occurs within the reproductive organs.
Fertilization in mammals typically occurs in the fallopian tubes.
Germination
Leads to the emergence of the primary root and shoot.
During germination, the radicle is the first part of the seedling to emerge from the seed.
Fertilization
Initiates embryonic development.
Fertilization in birds results in the formation of an embryo that develops within the egg.
Germination
Ends seed dormancy.
Germination occurs when environmental conditions break the seed's dormant state.
Fertilization
The act or process of initiating biological reproduction by insemination or pollination.
Germination
Requires water, oxygen, and suitable temperatures.
Germination of wheat seeds is optimal at temperatures between 20-25°C.
Fertilization
The union of male and female gametes to form a zygote.
Germination
Germination is the process by which an organism grows from a seed or spore. The term is applied to the sprouting of a seedling from a seed of an angiosperm or gymnosperm, the growth of a sporeling from a spore, such as the spores of fungi, ferns, bacteria, and the growth of the pollen tube from the pollen grain of a seed plant.
Fertilization
The act or process of applying a fertilizer.
Germination
To cause to sprout or grow.
Fertilization
The act or process of rendering fertile.
Germination
To begin to sprout or grow.
Fertilization
The act of fecundating or impregnating animal or vegetable gametes; especially, the process by which in flowers the pollen renders the ovule fertile, or an analogous process in flowerless plants
Germination
To come into existence
An idea germinated in his mind.
Fertilization
The act of applying fertilizer to soil.
Germination
The process of germinating; the beginning of vegetation or growth from a seed or spore; the first development of germs, either animal or vegetable.
Fertilization
The act or process of rendering fertile.
Germination
The process of germinating; the beginning of vegetation or growth in a seed or plant; the first development of germs, either animal or vegetable.
Fertilization
The act of fecundating or impregnating animal or vegetable germs; esp., the process by which in flowers the pollen renders the ovule fertile, or an analogous process in flowerless plants; fecundation; impregnation.
Germination
The process whereby seeds or spores sprout and begin to grow
Fertilization
Creation by the physical union of male and female gametes; of sperm and ova in an animal or pollen and ovule in a plant
Germination
The origin of some development;
The germination of their discontent
Fertilization
Making fertile as by applying fertilizer or manure
Common Curiosities
What is germination?
Germination is the process through which a seed develops into a new plant under the right environmental conditions.
What is fertilization?
Fertilization is the biological process where male and female gametes combine to create a new organism.
How do fertilization and germination relate to each other?
Fertilization leads to the formation of a seed, which is a prerequisite for germination.
What factors affect fertilization?
Fertilization can be influenced by the compatibility of the gametes and environmental conditions.
Is germination visible?
Yes, germination is visibly noticeable as the seed sprouts and begins to grow.
What factors affect germination?
Germination is affected by external factors like water availability, temperature, and oxygen levels.
Is fertilization visible?
Fertilization itself is not visible as it occurs at the cellular level, often inside reproductive organs.
Why is fertilization important?
Fertilization is essential for the genetic diversity and reproduction of organisms.
Why is germination important?
Germination is crucial for the propagation and survival of plant species.
What are the signs of successful germination?
Signs include the sprouting of the seed, and the emergence of roots and shoots.
Can fertilization happen artificially?
Yes, artificial techniques like in vitro fertilization are common in both plant and animal species.
What are the signs of successful fertilization?
In plants, successful fertilization often leads to seed formation; in animals, it may lead to pregnancy.
Can germination be controlled?
Yes, by manipulating environmental conditions like moisture and temperature, germination can be controlled.
Do all plants require fertilization before germination?
While most plants require fertilization to produce seeds, some can produce seeds without fertilization through processes like apomixis.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
