COTYLEDON Meaning and
Definition
-
A cotyledon is a crucial part of a plant embryo found within the seed. It is the first organ to emerge from the germinating seed and serves as a seed leaf or embryonic leaf. Cotyledons play an essential role in providing nourishment to the developing plant before it starts performing photosynthesis. They contain stored food reserves, such as starches, proteins, and lipids, which are utilized by the developing plant until it can establish its own source of nutrition.
Cotyledons come in different forms, depending on the type of seed. In flowering plants, also known as angiosperms, they can either be monocotyledons or dicotyledons, commonly referred to as monocots and dicots, respectively. Monocotyledons have a single cotyledon, which usually stays underground during germination and doesn't play a significant role after the seedling emerges. On the other hand, dicotyledons possess two cotyledons that often become the first pair of leaves after emerging from the soil and contribute to the early growth of the plant.
Overall, cotyledons are vital structures in enabling the successful establishment of a plant seedling. They provide necessary nutrients for growth and development until the plant can generate its own sustenance. Additionally, cotyledons' variation in number and morphology is an important characteristic used to classify and differentiate different taxa of plants.
-
1. The rudimentary leaf in the seed or embryo of a plant. 2. One of the aggregations of villi on the chorionic surface of the placenta.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
-
In a plant, the temporary leaf which first appears above ground; in anat., applied to the portions of which the placentae of some animals are formed.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for COTYLEDON
Etymology of COTYLEDON
The word "cotyledon" has its origin in Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "kotylēdōn", which is a combination of "kotyle" meaning "cup" and "edōn" meaning "tooth". The term was used in ancient Greek botany to describe the cup-shaped structures that enclosed the embryonic leaves in certain plants. Over time, "cotyledon" became the widely accepted term to refer to these seed leaves in plants.
Similar spelling words for COTYLEDON
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
