MCQ Detailed View

Cotyledons are often called seed leaves, and they play a vital role in the survival of the embryo during seed germination. Their main importance lies in the fact that cotyledons store food in the form of starch, proteins, or oils, which is later used by the developing plant until it can produce its own food through photosynthesis.

In flowering plants (angiosperms), seeds are classified into monocotyledons (monocots) and dicotyledons (dicots) depending on the number of cotyledons present. Monocots, such as maize and wheat, have one cotyledon, while dicots, like beans and peas, have two cotyledons. Regardless of number, their primary function is to serve as a nutrient reservoir.

During seed germination, the embryo is still too young to produce its own food. The stored nutrients in cotyledons are mobilized and transferred to the growing parts of the plant — especially the radicle (embryonic root) and plumule (embryonic shoot). This ensures that the seedling has enough energy to break through the soil and reach sunlight.

In some plants, cotyledons also act as photosynthetic organs after germination. For example, in beans, cotyledons emerge above the soil surface and turn green, helping in food production until the true leaves develop.

Without cotyledons, seeds would lack the initial stored energy required to begin their growth cycle. That is why they are considered essential for seed viability and successful germination.

🔑 Key Facts:

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  Cotyledons = “seed leaves” that store food.

  
  


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  Food stored: starch, proteins, oils.

  
  


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  Provide nutrients to the embryo during germination.

  
  


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  Monocots have 1 cotyledon, dicots have 2 cotyledons.

  
  


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  Sometimes also perform photosynthesis in early growth.

  
  

👉 Final Answer: Cotyledons are very important because they store food for the developing seedling.