What does germination refer to in botany?

Germination in botany specifically refers to the process by which a seed develops into a new plant, starting from the moment it absorbs water and swells, to the eventual emergence of a seedling. This process is crucial, as it marks the beginning of a plant's life cycle. During germination, various physiological changes occur, including the activation of enzymes that support growth and the mobilization of stored nutrients within the seed. As a result, the seed transforms into a seedling capable of photosynthesis and further growth, effectively establishing a new plant.

The other choices detail different biological processes unrelated to the initial stage of a plant's life cycle. While photosynthesis is essential in helping plants grow after germination, it is not part of the germination process itself. The flowering stage occurs later in a plant's lifecycle, following the earlier stages of growth, and the decay of organic materials in the soil pertains more to the nutrient cycle and ecosystem functions than to seed development.