How does life get into a seed?

[dreamresult]

I had a seed in my pantry for 3 years - dead. Put it in soil and hey presto - life.

So, how does life get into the seed?

This question has been troubling me for some time - any answers would be greatly appreciated.

[Dr.Stein]

It is about dormancy

[James]

The seed only germinates in the right conditions.

[AstusAleator]

Well, you're asking for a lesson in botany. I'd suggest doing an internet search. Maybe wikipedia.
Look for the terms addressed by Stein and James:
dormancy and germination

[Condraz23]

It's true. The plant lies dormant within the seed.

[Azedenkae]

Additional Note: The seed you had was not dead.

[Linn]

that is what is so wonderful about seeds. They can survive periods of drought etc.. Some can be dormant for very long periods of time. For example, cases have been confirmed of Lotus seeds germinating after being dormant for over 1000 years!

[destiny]

When the seed is being planted in the soil, the seed is able to take in water from the soil and thus creates a suitable condition to germinate.

[sachin]

May be you find in pterodophyte study that, why seed developed in plant.Only Sporophytic generations were not compatible to adapt, so variations were required and those plants which were showing Both sporophytic and gamatophytic generation survived further and the prothallial type gamatophyte ultimately got redused and became dependant of sporophytic generation to serve as seed developer organ Androcium and Gynocium...

[Vibrio]

Think about it. If seeds would not be able to stay dormant like they do, we would not have all the plant life that we do.

[sachin]

Think about it. If seeds would not be able to stay dormant like they do, we would not have all the plant life that we do.

We must be doing something different then........

[ninad]

after it comes in contact with the soil, it starts its germination process