Epicotyl

Definition

The epicotyl is the part of a seedling that lies above the cotyledons (seed leaves) and below the first true leaves. It is crucial for the initial vertical growth of the young plant after germination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The epicotyl elongates to help push the shoot above the soil surface during germination.
2. It develops into the stem and leaves of the mature plant.
3. In dicot seeds, the epicotyl is located between the cotyledons and the plumule.
4. Epicotyl growth can be influenced by environmental factors such as light and temperature.
5. It plays a critical role during early seedling development before photosynthesis begins.

Review Questions

Related terms

Cotyledon:

The first leaf or pair of leaves produced by an embryo of a seed plant.

Plumule: The part of a seed embryo that develops into the shoot bearing the first true leaves.

Hypocotyl: The part of a plant embryo directly below the cotyledons, forming a connection with the radicle.