Visual lesson 04

Cotyledon transition

Track emergence from the seed shell through cotyledon opening and the first true leaves.
Seed & GerminationSeedling transition timeline

Interactive academic visual

Cotyledon transition

Seed reserves support emergence before true leaves take over photosynthetic work
true-leaf handoff
Shell release

The emerging seedling sheds or escapes the seed coat as the hypocotyl and cotyledons expand.

Knowledge check

Can you explain what the visual is showing?

Practice

What is the main role of cotyledons during the earliest seedling stage?

Track this lesson

Mark the lesson complete when you are comfortable with the visual, observations, and system context.

Evidence & further reading

Sources connected to this lesson

These references support specific biological, diagnostic, environmental, or process concepts used in this lesson. They are not a substitute for crop-specific testing or local regulatory guidance.

System context

Connect this lesson to the whole plant

Achene and true-seed anatomy, imbibition, reserve mobilization, radicle emergence, cotyledon establishment, thermal response, water potential, salinity, vigor, aging, storage, pericarp effects, priming, and failure patterns.
Open the full Seed & Germination interactive module
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