I am researching what happens when seeds germinate. What I seem to understand so far, is that a seed imbibes water, and this is what triggers of the subsequent stages...but what actually happens? I read that enzymes break down the storage compounds, but what is the significance of this?

 

Also I have found out that copper ions are non-competitive inhibitors of amylase, so the stored starch in a seed cannot be broken down. Why would this affect the germination process?

Also I have found out that copper ions are non-competitive inhibitors of amylase, so the stored starch in a seed cannot be broken down. Why would this affect the germination process?

The cotyledon is the store of starches used during the germination phase. Once the seed is established (has a viable photosynthetic apparatus -i.e. the seed leaves, and a working root system), it has exhausted this 'bootstrap' supply of food, but that's ok, it's now able to make its own.

 

If the starch conversion process is interrupted or prevented (by inhibiting the amylases that break it down into simpler units), the whole process comes to a grinding halt, and no viable seedling develops from the seed: the plant world's 'embryo', or an embryonic form, in a sort of suspended animation state of metabolism. It's a demonstration of the importance of the cotyledon's store, and what happens when a developing plant embryo is denied it. Or an example of how to sacrifice a plant upon the altar of investigative science (ignore that last remark, he he)...