Radicle
Radicle
The radicle is the first part of a seedling (a growing plant embryo) to emerge from the seed during the process of germination. It is the embryonic root of the plant and grows downward in the soil. The radicle is crucial for the plant's development as it anchors the plant and absorbs water and nutrients from the soil.
Structure and Function[edit | edit source]
The radicle is part of the embryo within the seed. It is typically the first organ to emerge when a seed germinates. The radicle grows into the primary root, which will later develop into the root system of the plant. The growth of the radicle is influenced by various factors, including gravity (geotropism), water (hydrotropism), and light (phototropism).
Germination Process[edit | edit source]
During germination, the seed absorbs water, causing it to swell and break through the seed coat. The radicle then emerges and grows downward into the soil. This process is essential for the establishment of the seedling, as the radicle will develop into the main root that supports the plant and facilitates the uptake of water and nutrients.
Types of Radicles[edit | edit source]
There are different types of radicles based on the plant species:
- Primary Radicle: The initial root that emerges from the seed.
- Adventitious Radicle: Roots that form from non-root tissues, such as stems or leaves.
Importance in Agriculture[edit | edit source]
The health and development of the radicle are critical in agriculture and horticulture. A strong and healthy radicle ensures that the plant can establish itself quickly and access the necessary nutrients and water from the soil. This is particularly important in the early stages of plant growth.
Related Concepts[edit | edit source]
- Cotyledon: The first leaves that appear on a seedling.
- Hypocotyl: The part of the stem of a germinating seedling found below the cotyledons and above the radicle.
- Epicotyl: The part of the stem above the cotyledons.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
