Difference Between Radicle and Plumule

The Radicle and Plumule are two components of a plant’s embryo that play important roles in the growth and development of a plant. The major difference between these two is that Radicle develops into the root while Plumule develops into the shoot. The radicle serves as the embryonic root and is responsible for anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil, while the plumule acts as the embryonic shoot, giving rise to the stem, leaves, and aerial parts of the plant which help in photosynthesis. Understanding the differences between radicle and plumule helps us to understand the complex processes involved in the earlier stages of plant development.

Difference between Radicle and Plumule

Features	Radicle	Plumule
Location	Found within the seed, at the tip of Hypocotyl	Found in the seedling, at the tip of Epicotyl
Development	Serves as the embryonic root and develops in the root system of the plant	Acts as the embryonic shoot develops into stem, leaves, and aerial parts of the plant
Timing of emergence	It is the first structure to develop when the seed germinates	It develops after the radicle
Function	The function of the radicle is to anchor the plant into the ground and absorb water and nutrients from the soil	The function of the plumule is to perform photosynthesis, as the leaves produced by the plumule capture sunlight and convert it into energy.
Direction of growth	Downwards	Upwards
Colour	More whitish in colour	Less whitish in colour
Phototropism	Negative phototropism	Positive phototropism
Hydrotropism	Positive hydrotropism	Negative hydrotropism
Geotropism	Positive geotropism	Negative geotropism
Surrounding Structure	Coleorhiza	Coleoptile

What is Radicle? 

The radicle is an essential part of the plant embryo found within the seed. It is located at the tip of Hypocotyl and serves as the embryonic root. Once the seed germinates, the radicle is the first structure to emerge from it. Its primary function is to anchor the plant into the ground and absorb water and nutrients from the soil. As the radicle grows downward, it develops into the primary root, which branches out to form the entire root system of the plant. The radicle plays an important role in providing stability to the plant and facilitating its nutrient uptake. It is more whitish in colour than plumule. Radicles show negative phototropism, positive hydrotropism, and positive geotropism. Coleorhiza is an undifferentiated sheath that surrounds radicles. 

Characteristics of Radicle

• Location: At the tip of the hypocotyl.
• Function: Anchors the plant into the ground and absorbs water and nutrients.
• Morphology: Single, elongated structure with a pointed tip.
• Growth: Primary growth with elongation and branching to establish roots.
• Development: Grows into the main root system of the plant.

What is Plumule?

The plumule is found in the seedling rather than the seed. It is located at the tip of epicotyl and acts as the embryonic shoot. As the seed germinates and the shoot emerges, the plumule begins its upward growth towards the surface. The plumule develops into the stem, leaves, and the entire aerial part of the plant which is known as the shoot. It plays an important role in photosynthesis, as the leaves produced by the plumule capture sunlight and convert it into energy. Also, the plumule is responsible for the overall growth and development of the plant above the ground. It is less whitish in colour. Plumules show positive phototropism, negative hydrotropism, and negative geotropism. Coleoptile is the hollow foliar structure that surrounds the plumule. 

Characteristics of Plumule

• Location: At the tip of Epicotyl.
• Function: Gives rise to aerial parts of the plant (stem, leaves, flowers) involved in photosynthesis.
• Morphology: Small, compact structure with tightly folded leaves.
• Growth: Apical growth with the primary shoot elongating upward and producing leaves.
• Development: Forms the main shoot system of the plant.

FAQs on Radicle and Plumule

Q: What is the main difference between radicle and plumule?

Answer:

The radicle is the embryonic root found in the seed, while the plumule is the embryonic shoot found in the seedling.

Q: Where is the radicle located?

Answer:

The radicle is situated at the bottom of the seed and at the tip of the hypocotyl.

Q: What is the function of the plumule?

Answer:

The plumule develops into the stem, leaves, and aerial parts of the plant, playing a vital role in photosynthesis and overall plant growth.

Q: How does the radicle contribute to the plant’s growth?

Answer:

The radicle grows downward and develops into the primary root, forming the root system of the plant for anchoring and absorption of water and nutrients.

Q5: Where is the plumule located in the seedling?

Answer:

The plumule is located at the top of the seedling and at the tip of the epicotyl.