Which term denotes the first leaves to appear in the seedling?

Which term denotes the first leaves to appear in the seedling?

• A. Plumule
• B. Seed coat
• C. Radicle
• D. Cotyledon

Answer: (D)

During germination, the embryo produces the structures that will become the seedling’s initial organs. The first leaves to appear are the cotyledons, the seed leaves that come from the embryo and often supply stored nutrients to the young plant as it starts photosynthesis. They may unfold above the soil (epigeal) or stay below it (hypogeal), but they are the first leaves that emerge. The plumule is the embryonic shoot that later grows into the stem and true leaves, the radicle becomes the root, and the seed coat is simply the protective outer layer. So, the first leaves to appear are cotyledons.

During germination, the embryo produces the structures that will become the seedling’s initial organs. The first leaves to appear are the cotyledons, the seed leaves that come from the embryo and often supply stored nutrients to the young plant as it starts photosynthesis. They may unfold above the soil (epigeal) or stay below it (hypogeal), but they are the first leaves that emerge. The plumule is the embryonic shoot that later grows into the stem and true leaves, the radicle becomes the root, and the seed coat is simply the protective outer layer. So, the first leaves to appear are cotyledons.