What is the Difference Between Radicle and Plumule?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The radicle and plumule are two essential components of a plant's embryo that play crucial roles in the growth and development of a plant. The main differences between them are as follows:
- Definition: The radicle is the embryonic root of the plant, while the plumule is the embryonic shoot of the plant.
- Location: The radicle is found within the seed, at the tip of the hypocotyl, while the plumule is found in the seedling, at the tip of the epicotyl.
- Development: The radicle develops into the root system, anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients. In contrast, the plumule develops into the stem, leaves, and aerial parts of the plant, which help in photosynthesis.
- Function: The radicle serves as the embryonic root and is responsible for anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients. The plumule, on the other hand, develops into the leaves, branches, buds, flowers, fruits, and seeds of the plant.
- Tropic Movements: Radicle is negatively phototrophic, positively geotropic, and positively hydrotropic, which means it grows away from light, towards gravity, and towards water, respectively. In contrast, plumule is positively phototrophic, negatively geotropic, and negatively hydrotropic, meaning it grows towards light, away from gravity, and away from water, respectively.
In summary, the radicle and plumule are fundamental components of the seed embryo, with the radicle serving as the embryonic root and the plumule as the embryonic shoot. They play crucial roles in the growth and development of a plant, with the radicle anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients, and the plumule developing into the stem, leaves, and aerial parts of the plant.
Comparative Table: Radicle vs Plumule
Here is a table highlighting the differences between radicle and plumule:
| Feature | Radicle | Plumule |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Embryonic root of the plant | Embryonic shoot of the plant |
| Direction of Growth | Grows downwards into the soil | Grows upwards away from the soil |
| Function | Anchors the plant and absorbs water and minerals | Produces food by photosynthesis |
| Tropic Movements | Negatively phototrophic, positively geotropic, and positively hydrotropic | Positively phototrophic, negatively geotropic, and negatively hydrotropic |
| Location | Found within the seed, at the tip of the hypocotyl | Found in the seedling, at the tip of the epicotyl |
| Colour | White | Less white than radicle |
| Role in Seed Germination | Develops into the root system of the plant | Develops into the shoot system of the plant |
The radicle is the embryonic root found in the seed, responsible for anchoring the plant and absorbing water and minerals from the soil. On the other hand, the plumule is the embryonic shoot found in the seedling, giving rise to the stem, leaves, and aerial parts of the plant, which help in photosynthesis.
- Epicotyl vs Plumule
- Stem vs Root
- Rhizoids vs Rhizomes
- Rhizome vs Stolon
- Petiole vs Pedicel
- Pedicel vs Peduncle
- Root vs Shoot Apical Meristem
- Rhizome vs Tuber
- Plum vs Prune
- Root Hair vs Stem Hair
- Pulvinus vs Petiole
- Bulb vs Rhizome
- Sapling vs Seedling
- Stem Tendril vs Leaf Tendril
- Prop Root vs Stilt Root
- Shoot vs Stem
- Dicot vs Monocot Roots
- Roma vs Plum Tomatoes
- Carpel vs Pistil