Imbibition is a special type of diffusion when\xa0water\xa0is\xa0absorbed\xa0by solids-colloids causing an enormous increase in volume. … Imbibition is also diffusion since\xa0water\xa0surface potential movement is along a concentration gradient; the\xa0seeds\xa0and other such materials\xa0have almost no water hence they absorb water easily.\xa0When a\xa0seed absorbs water, it is called imbibition.\xa0Water\xa0enters the\xa0seed\xa0either through a tiny opening in the\xa0seed\xa0called the micropyle or through the\xa0seed\xa0coat. … The scarred\xa0seed\xa0coat is permeable, allowing\xa0water\xa0to pass through and germination to begin. Other\xa0seeds\xa0require cold temperatures before they can germinate.