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epicotyl
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cotyledons and germination
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epicotyl

plant anatomy
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cotyledons and germination
cotyledons and germination (Top) Monocotyledon (internal structures of a corn seed with stages of germination). Nutrients are stored in the cotyledon and endosperm tissue. The radicle and hypocotyl (region between the cotyledon and radicle) give rise to the roots. The epicotyl (region above the cotyledon) gives rise to the stem and leaves and is covered by a protective sheath (coleoptile). (Bottom) Eudicotyledon (internal structures of a bean seed with stages of germination). All nutrients are stored in the enlarged cotyledons. The radicle gives rise to the roots, the hypocotyl to the lower stem, and the epicotyl to the leaves and upper stem.

The epicotyl is a part of a plant embryo's stem, located above the point where the cotyledons (seed leaves) attach. During germination, the epicotyl elongates, causing the young shoot to grow upwards. If the epicotyl extends, the cotyledons remain below the soil surface. This contrasts with the hypocotyl, which is the embryonic stem below the cotyledons; if the hypocotyl elongates, it carries the cotyledons above ground. The development of these structures is crucial for a seedling's establishment and its ability to reach sunlight for photosynthesis.123

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. plant development - Origin of the primary organs
  2. plant development - The emergence of the seedling
  3. germination
  4. morphology - Embryology

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