What structure provides nutrient molecules from growing plant embryos before the true leaves begin photosynthesizing?

What structure provides nutrient molecules from growing plant embryos before the true leaves begin photosynthesizing?

• A. Cotyledon
• B. Hypocotyl
• C. Epicotyl
• D. Endosperm

Answer: (A)

Nutrient supply during early seedling growth comes from cotyledons, the seed leaves that store food and transfer it to the developing embryo before photosynthesis starts. They contain starches, oils, and proteins that fuel the growth of the root and shoot until the first true leaves form and can photosynthesize. The hypocotyl is the stem region below the cotyledons, the epicotyl is above the cotyledons, and endosperm is the nutrient tissue inside the seed that nourishes the embryo during seed development (and may be used up during germination). So, the cotyledons are the structure that provides nutrient molecules to the growing embryo before true leaves begin photosynthesizing.

Nutrient supply during early seedling growth comes from cotyledons, the seed leaves that store food and transfer it to the developing embryo before photosynthesis starts. They contain starches, oils, and proteins that fuel the growth of the root and shoot until the first true leaves form and can photosynthesize. The hypocotyl is the stem region below the cotyledons, the epicotyl is above the cotyledons, and endosperm is the nutrient tissue inside the seed that nourishes the embryo during seed development (and may be used up during germination). So, the cotyledons are the structure that provides nutrient molecules to the growing embryo before true leaves begin photosynthesizing.