Cotyledonenträger

Cotyledonenträger is a German term that translates to "cotyledon-bearer" in English. It refers to the embryonic leaf or leaves within a seed, which serve to provide nourishment to the developing seedling. These structures are a crucial part of a plant's early life cycle.

The number of cotyledons can vary depending on the plant species. Monocotyledonous plants, such as grasses and lilies, possess a single cotyledon. Dicotyledonous plants, like beans and oak trees, have two cotyledons. These cotyledons may either remain below the ground (hypogeal germination) or emerge above the ground (epigeal germination) and often perform photosynthesis for a period before the true leaves develop.

The primary function of cotyledons is to store food reserves, typically in the form of starch, oils, or proteins. This stored food is mobilized and transferred to the growing embryo as the seed germinates and the seedling begins to establish itself. In some species, cotyledons are shed soon after germination, while in others, they may persist and contribute to photosynthesis for a longer duration. The structure and behavior of cotyledons are important characteristics used in plant classification.