TeXes Science Practice Test

What term describes the first root that develops in bean seedlings?

1. The hypocotyl

2. The cotyledon

3. The radicle

4. The plumule

The correct answer is: The radicle

The first root that develops in bean seedlings is known as the radicle. As the seed germinates, the radicle emerges from the seed and begins to grow downward into the soil. This initial root structure is crucial for anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil, which are essential for the plant's growth and development. In the context of seed germination, the hypocotyl is the stem segment below the cotyledons and above the radicle but does not itself refer to the first root. The cotyledon refers to the seed leaves that often store food for the growing seedling, while the plumule refers to the embryonic shoot that will develop into the stems and leaves of the new plant. Understanding these terms helps clarify the various parts of the seedling as they develop and the specific functions they serve in the early stages of plant growth.