COLEOPTILE Meaning and
Definition
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A coleoptile is a specialized structure found in the germinating seed of various monocot plants, particularly in grasses. It is a protective covering that surrounds and protects the emerging shoot, also known as the plumule, as it pushes through the soil surface. The word "coleoptile" is derived from the Greek words "koleos" meaning "sheath" and "ptilon" meaning "wing."
Typically, the coleoptile is long, tube-like, and pointed. It consists of a single, elongated leaf-like structure that tightly encloses the plumule. The coleoptile is usually pale in color and etiolated due to its growth in darkness until emergence above the soil. It functions as a sort of tunnel, guiding the plumule towards the light source after germination.
The primary purpose of the coleoptile is to protect and facilitate the upward growth of the shoot by providing mechanical support and serving as a conduit for the transport of nutrients and water from the seed reserves to the emerging plumule. Additionally, the coleoptile helps in avoiding mechanical damage during the seedling's journey through the soil.
The coleoptile's sensitivity to light also aids in phototropism, allowing the emerging shoot to grow towards the light to ensure optimal photosynthesis and growth. It often exhibits a negatively phototropic response, bending away from the light to navigate around obstacles and emerge successfully.
Overall, the coleoptile is a crucial structure during seed germination and seedling establishment, ensuring successful emergence and growth of the young plant.
Common Misspellings for COLEOPTILE
Etymology of COLEOPTILE
The word "coleoptile" originates from the combination of two Greek words: "kóleos" meaning "sheath" or "enveloping membrane" and "ptílon" meaning "feather" or "wing". The term "coleoptile" specifically refers to the protective sheath that covers the first true leaf of a young grass or cereal plant as it emerges from the soil.
