Cotyledons

Definition

Cotyledons are the first leaves that appear on a seedling. They play a crucial role in the early stages of plant development by providing nutrients to the young plant before true leaves begin photosynthesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cotyledons can be either monocotyledonous (one cotyledon) or dicotyledonous (two cotyledons).
2. In angiosperms, cotyledons are part of the embryo within the seed.
3. Monocots include plants like grasses and lilies, while dicots include beans and sunflowers.
4. Cotyledons often differ in shape and size from true leaves.
5. They help in identifying and classifying plants based on their number and structure.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of cotyledons in seedling development?
• How do cotyledons differ between monocots and dicots?
• Why are cotyledons important for early plant growth?

Related terms

Monocot: A plant that has one cotyledon in its seed.

Dicot: A plant that has two cotyledons in its seed.

Seedling: A young plant, especially one raised from seed and not from a cutting.