In the respiration experiment during this lab, we used beans, which each contained a plant embryo. Why did we need to soak these beans in water for at least 20-24 hours before we could conduct this respiration experiment? What happened during that incubation period in water?

See the answer below.

Explanation:

During the incubation period in water, the endosperm which contains the food for the embryo becomes hydrolyzed and the food becomes available for the embryo to utilize for its metabolism. Thus, the embryo which otherwise would have remained dormant becomes activated, and the metabolic processes that will eventually lead to the germination of the beans seeds kick-off.

Without the hydrolysis of the endosperm, stored food for the embryo would remain unavailable and the process of breaking down foods to release energy - respiration - would not start.

d

explanation: