Cotyledon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cotyledon
[ˌkɒtɪˈliːdən ]
Definition
botanical term
A cotyledon is the first leaf or leaves that appear from a seedling. In plants, cotyledons serve as a nutrient source for the young plant until it can produce its own food through photosynthesis. The number of cotyledons can vary; for example, dicots typically have two cotyledons, while monocots have one.
Synonyms
seed leaf.
Examples of usage
- The pea plant has two cotyledons.
- During germination, the cotyledon emerges from the seed.
- Cotyledons can sometimes photosynthesize.
- The orchid is known for having a single cotyledon.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Botanical Significance
- Cotyledons are vital for seedling survival, as they often store nutrients that support the young plant before it can photosynthesize.
- Plants are typically categorized as either monocots, which have one cotyledon, or dicots, which have two, influencing their growth patterns.
Cultural References
- In gardening, understanding cotyledons can help gardeners know when to transplant young plants to give them the best chance at survival.
- In some folklore, seeds with strong cotyledons were seen as symbols of potential and rebirth, indicating a strong future for the plant.
Science
- Studies show that the size and health of cotyledons can significantly impact a plant's early growth and resilience to environmental stress.
- Cotyledons play a crucial role in signaling when to start producing true leaves, marking a plant's transition to maturity.
Education
- In biology classes, teaching about cotyledons often sparks interest in plant anatomy and the life cycle of flowering plants.
- Hands-on activities, like growing seeds in class, help students visualize the process and importance of cotyledons.
Origin of 'cotyledon'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Greek words 'kotylē' meaning 'cup' and 'dōn' meaning 'given', reflecting the cup-like shape of the seed leaves.
- It was first used in the early 19th century as scientists began classifying plant structures more systematically.
The word 'cotyledon' comes from the Greek word 'kotyledon', which means 'cup' or 'hollow' (from 'koto', meaning 'to have or hold'). This term was used in botanical terminology to describe the initial leaf structure that emerges from seeds. It was first introduced in the 18th century as botanists began studying plant development more systematically. The connection between the shape of a cotyledon and that of a cup likely stems from the appearance of cotyledons as they first unfold. Over time, the definition has become more precise, differentiating between the two main groups of flowering plants: monocots and dicots, based on the number of cotyledons present.