Kotyledonerna

Kotyledonerna, often referred to as cotyledons, are embryonic leaves in seeds. They play a crucial role in the early development of a plant, serving as the first leaves to emerge from a germinating seed. The primary function of cotyledons is to store food reserves or to absorb food from the endosperm of the seed. In some plants, the cotyledons are also photosynthetic and can contribute to the seedling's energy production for a short period.

The number of cotyledons present in a seed is a key characteristic used in plant classification. Plants are broadly divided into two groups based on this feature: monocotyledons (monocots) and dicotyledons (dicots). Monocotyledonous plants, such as grasses and lilies, have a single cotyledon. Dicotyledonous plants, like beans and oaks, possess two cotyledons.

In dicots, the cotyledons may either remain below ground (hypogeal germination) or emerge above ground and become green and photosynthetic (epigeal germination). In monocots, the single cotyledon typically remains underground and functions primarily in nutrient absorption from the endosperm. After their initial role is fulfilled, cotyledons usually wither and fall off as the true leaves develop and begin to photosynthesize.