Seed germination and dormancy are critical processes in plant biology, with significant implications for agriculture and ecology. Seeds are vital components of the global diet, with cereal grains contributing up to half of the global per capita energy intake. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms underlying germination and dormancy remain incompletely understood. Germination begins with water uptake (imbibition), leading to metabolic activation and the resumption of cellular processes. Dormancy, an intrinsic block to germination, allows seeds to remain viable under unfavorable conditions, optimizing germination timing for survival. Dormancy is often undesirable in agricultural crops but necessary in some species to prevent preharvest sprouting. Seed dormancy can be classified into coat-enhanced dormancy, where the embryo is constrained by surrounding structures, and embryo dormancy, where the embryo itself is dormant. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of dormancy and germination is crucial for improving crop yields and managing weed populations. ABA (abscisic acid) plays a key role in regulating dormancy, while GAs (gibberellins) are involved in promoting germination. The interplay between ABA and GAs is complex, with ABA inhibiting germination and GAs counteracting this inhibition. Recent studies have identified dormancy-related genes and the importance of protein synthesis during germination. Despite advances, many aspects of dormancy and germination remain elusive, highlighting the need for further research to fully understand these processes.Seed germination and dormancy are critical processes in plant biology, with significant implications for agriculture and ecology. Seeds are vital components of the global diet, with cereal grains contributing up to half of the global per capita energy intake. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms underlying germination and dormancy remain incompletely understood. Germination begins with water uptake (imbibition), leading to metabolic activation and the resumption of cellular processes. Dormancy, an intrinsic block to germination, allows seeds to remain viable under unfavorable conditions, optimizing germination timing for survival. Dormancy is often undesirable in agricultural crops but necessary in some species to prevent preharvest sprouting. Seed dormancy can be classified into coat-enhanced dormancy, where the embryo is constrained by surrounding structures, and embryo dormancy, where the embryo itself is dormant. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of dormancy and germination is crucial for improving crop yields and managing weed populations. ABA (abscisic acid) plays a key role in regulating dormancy, while GAs (gibberellins) are involved in promoting germination. The interplay between ABA and GAs is complex, with ABA inhibiting germination and GAs counteracting this inhibition. Recent studies have identified dormancy-related genes and the importance of protein synthesis during germination. Despite advances, many aspects of dormancy and germination remain elusive, highlighting the need for further research to fully understand these processes.