Cotyledon

A cotyledon is a significant part of the embryo within a seed of a flowering plant. It's often the first leaf or leaves to appear from the germinating seed. Cotyledons primarily serve as a storage site for nutrients, providing the developing seedling with essential nourishment until it can produce its own through photosynthesis. This energy is critical for the early growth stages. Monocots usually have one cotyledon, while dicots typically have two. These seed leaves also aid in the emergence of the plant from the soil, pushing upward. After the seedling emerges, the cotyledons may shrivel and die, releasing their stored food.

Cotyledon meaning with examples

• The farmer examined the bean seeds, noting the large, fleshy cotyledons that would provide the initial energy for the seedling. These seed leaves were packed with stored nutrients. They are also called the "seed leaves."
• As the sunflower seed germinated, its cotyledons unfolded, revealing the first signs of life. The two cotyledons drew energy from the seed itself. The leaves offered a brief glimpse of green before the true leaves emerged.
• The botanist carefully observed the monocot plant, noting the presence of a single cotyledon within the sprouted seed. The structure revealed the seed leaf. The cotyledon provided the initial nourishment.
• The gardener was surprised by the vibrant green color of the cotyledons on the newly sprouted plant. Its early growth stages displayed the cotyledons. The structure was visible.
• In the lab, the researchers studied the nutritional content of the cotyledons in various plant species to determine their role in seedling survival. The cotyledons offered a detailed understanding.