Question

Define cotyledons.

Answer 1

Cotyledons:

1. Cotyledons are structures found in plant embryos and seeds.
2. Cotyledons are known as "seed leaves" because they emerge and turn green as the seed germinates.
3. Cotyledons provide nutrients to the plant embryo in order to germinate and sustain themselves as photosynthetic creature.
4. Thus, in the seed, cotyledons symbolize a pre-designed plant.
5. Monocotyledonous species are those that have just one cotyledon ("monocots"). Example: - Maize (Zea mays).
6. Dicotyledonous plants have two embryonic leaves ("dicots"). Example: - pea (Pisum sativum).