What is Radicle?
The radicle is an essential part of the plant embryo found within the seed. It is located at the tip of Hypocotyl and serves as the embryonic root. Once the seed germinates, the radicle is the first structure to emerge from it. Its primary function is to anchor the plant into the ground and absorb water and nutrients from the soil. As the radicle grows downward, it develops into the primary root, which branches out to form the entire root system of the plant. The radicle plays an important role in providing stability to the plant and facilitating its nutrient uptake. It is more whitish in colour than plumule. Radicles show negative phototropism, positive hydrotropism, and positive geotropism. Coleorhiza is an undifferentiated sheath that surrounds radicles.
Characteristics of Radicle
- Location: At the tip of the hypocotyl.
- Function: Anchors the plant into the ground and absorbs water and nutrients.
- Morphology: Single, elongated structure with a pointed tip.
- Growth: Primary growth with elongation and branching to establish roots.
- Development: Grows into the main root system of the plant.
Difference Between Radicle and Plumule
The Radicle and Plumule are two components of a plant’s embryo that play important roles in the growth and development of a plant. The major difference between these two is that Radicle develops into the root while Plumule develops into the shoot. The radicle serves as the embryonic root and is responsible for anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil, while the plumule acts as the embryonic shoot, giving rise to the stem, leaves, and aerial parts of the plant which help in photosynthesis. Understanding the differences between radicle and plumule helps us to understand the complex processes involved in the earlier stages of plant development.
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