Which part of the embryo develops into stems and leaves?

Which part of the embryo develops into stems and leaves?

• A. Plumule
• B. Radicle
• C. Cotyledon
• D. Hypocotyl

Answer: (A)

Plumule holds the embryonic shoot that will become the plant’s stems and leaves. During germination, the shoot apical meristem in the plumule divides and differentiates to form the above-ground parts, so this region is the source of the stems and leaves. The radicle becomes the root system, anchoring the plant and taking up water. The cotyledons are seed leaves that store nutrients (and may provide early food or initial photosynthesis), not the source of the aerial shoot. The hypocotyl connects the root to the plumule and helps push the young shoot above ground, but the actual development of stems and leaves comes from the plumule.

Plumule holds the embryonic shoot that will become the plant’s stems and leaves. During germination, the shoot apical meristem in the plumule divides and differentiates to form the above-ground parts, so this region is the source of the stems and leaves. The radicle becomes the root system, anchoring the plant and taking up water. The cotyledons are seed leaves that store nutrients (and may provide early food or initial photosynthesis), not the source of the aerial shoot. The hypocotyl connects the root to the plumule and helps push the young shoot above ground, but the actual development of stems and leaves comes from the plumule.