What is the Difference Between Epicotyl and Hypocotyl?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between the epicotyl and hypocotyl lies in their location and function during the germination process of a plant. Both structures are part of the seedling stem, but they have distinct roles and positions:
- Epicotyl: This is the region of the seedling stem located between the cotyledons and the plumule. It develops into the upper part of the stem that has leaves, flowers, and buds. The epicotyl is essential in breaking through the soil surface during germination.
- Hypocotyl: This is the region of the seedling stem found between the cotyledon and the radicle. It is responsible for extending the radicle into the soil, which will later form the roots. The hypocotyl plays a crucial role in epigeal germination, as it extends downward, pushing the cotyledons up through the soil.
In summary, the epicotyl is involved in the development of the shoot above the soil, while the hypocotyl is responsible for extending the radicle below the soil to form the roots. The epicotyl is important in hypogeal germination, where it extends above the soil, whereas the hypocotyl is essential in epigeal germination, as it pushes the cotyledons and epicotyl above the soil surface.
Comparative Table: Epicotyl vs Hypocotyl
The main differences between epicotyl and hypocotyl are their locations and functions during germination. Here is a table comparing the two:
| Feature | Epicotyl | Hypocotyl |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Above the cotyledons and below the plumule | Below the cotyledons and going to the tip of the radicle |
| Function | Extends the shoot above the soil | Extends the radicle below the soil to form roots |
| Germination | Involved in hypogeal germination, where it extends above the soil | Involved in epigeal germination, as it extends downward, pushing the cotyledons up through the soil |
| Origin | Originates from cotyledonary nodes | Originates from radicle |
| Development | Develops into the upper part of the stem with leaves, flowers, and buds | Develops into the first part of the stem from which roots originate |
In hypogeal germination, the epicotyl elongates, allowing the cotyledons to remain in the soil. In epigeal germination, the hypocotyl elongates, pushing the cotyledons up through the soil.
- Epicotyl vs Plumule
- Epiblast vs Hypoblast
- Epicenter vs Hypocenter
- Petiole vs Pedicel
- Apodeme vs Apophysis
- Capitulum vs Hypanthodium
- Epigeal vs Hypogeal Germination
- Dicot vs Monocot
- Dicot vs Monocot Roots
- Lophotrochozoa vs Ecdysozoa
- Pedicel vs Peduncle
- Cotyledon vs Endosperm
- Protonema vs Prothallus
- Monocot vs Dicot Roots
- Cephalopods vs Gastropods
- Thallus vs Prothallus
- Apothecium vs Perithecium
- Ectoderm vs Endoderm
- Cortex vs Epidermis in Plants