Ovules are transformed into seeds, which contain cotyledons, after fertilization. Cotyledons are generated during the embryogenesis process and are present in seeds prior to germination. As a result, cotyledons are frequently referred to as seed leaves.
They are extremely important throughout the early phases of plant development. The seed leaves are not true leaves, despite their name. They are frequently made up of two different types of parenchyma cells.
Monocotyledons and dicotyledons are distinguished by their roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds. The fundamental distinction between monocotyledons and dicotyledons is that monocotyledons have only one cotyledon in their embryo, whereas dicotyledons have two.
Cotyledon
A cotyledon is a leaf that is preserved inside a seed. In other terms, the cotyledons are the first leaves to form on the plant when the seed sprouts.
Since of their distinct look from other leaves, cotyledons are not considered real leaves. They store food and contribute to the growth of real leaves by assisting plants in the production of sugar through photosynthesis.
There are two types of cotyledons:
- Monocotyledon
- Dicotyledon
Monocotyledonous Seeds
Monocotyledonous seeds are those that have only one embryonic leaf. The seed coat of monocotyledonous seeds is membrane-like and connected to the fruit wall. Monocots include pasture grasses, bamboo, rice, wheat, maize, and other plants.
Monocotyledons are blooming plants with only one cotyledon in their embryo (seed). Monocots belong to a monophyletic group, which means they have shared evolutionary history. Seeds with a single cotyledon, parallel-veined leaves, scattered vascular bundles in the stem, the absence of a conventional cambium, and an adventitious root system are all characteristics of monocot plants.
Monocotyledons are responsible for the majority of the world’s main foods, including cereal grains and starchy root crops, as well as palms, orchids, and lilies, as well as building materials and many medications.
Important terms related to Monocotyledonous Seeds
Aleurone Layer
The aleurone layer is a living endospermic cell that surrounds and separates the embryo with a proteinaceous layer.
Scutellum
The scutellum, is a large and shield-like cotyledon seen in some monocots.
Coleoptile and Coleorhiza
In a monocot, the Coleoptile and Coleorhiza are responsible for providing protection for the plumule and radical. Coleoptile is the protective sheath covering plumule, while coleorhiza is the protective sheath covering radical.
Dicotyledonous Seeds
Dicotyledonous seeds, or dicots, are seeds with two embryonic leaves. Seed covering in dicots comprises two layers. In some seeds, endosperm is generated as a result of double fertilization (e.g. castor). Dicots include plants such as beans, gram, and pea.
Dicotyledons are blooming plants that contain two cotyledons (embryonic leaves) in their seeds. Their flowers are usually divided into fours, fives, or multiples of those numbers. Oaks, elms, maples, most spectacular flowers, most garden plants, and most crops are all dicotyledons.
Important term related to Dicotyledons Seed
Testa and Tegmen
The exterior coating of dicot seeds is known as the testa, while the inner covering is known as the tegmen.
Hilum
Due to its past attachment to the ovary wall, a scar is left on the seed coat of a dicotyledonous seed; this scar or mark on the seed coat is known as the hilum.
Micropyle
The pollen tube passes through the micropyle, which is a small pore above the hilum.
Difference between Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons
Parameter | Monocot | Dicot |
Flowers | Here Trimerous has three flower parts. | Tetramerous have flower parts in the multiple of four or five. |
Pollen | In this Pollen has one pores | Here Pollen has three pores |
Stems | Vascular bundles in the stem are scattered | Vascular bundles in the stem are arranged in a ring |
Roots | Fibrous Root are develop on stems and leaves | Tap roots are develop from the radical primary root and lateral roots. |
Leaves | Here, Leaf Veins are Parallel | Leaf veins are reticulated |
Conclusion
Ovules are transformed into seeds, which contain cotyledons, after fertilization. Cotyledons are generated during the embryogenesis process and are present in seeds prior to germination. As a result, cotyledons are frequently referred to as seed leaves. Monocotyledonous seeds are those that have only one embryonic leaf. The seed coat of monocotyledonous seeds is membrane-like and connected to the fruit wall. Monocots include pasture grasses, bamboo, rice, wheat, maize, and other plants.
Dicotyledonous seeds, or dicots, are seeds with two embryonic leaves. Seed covering in dicots comprises two layers. In some seeds, endosperm is generated as a result of double fertilization (e.g. castor). Dicots include plants such as beans, gram, and pea.