Seed

The difference between dicotyledons and monocotyledons seeds is the number of cotyledons found in an embryo. The seed is an initial stage of plant growth, where differences between monocot (mono means one) and dicot (di means two) occur. Cotyledons are used to refer to the first seed leaf in an embryo. If one seed leaf is present, the plant will be classified as a monocot and if two leaves are present, it’s dicot. There are further classifications for monocotyledons and dicotyledons within angiosperms based on the presence of an embryo inside the seed.

Difference between Monocotyledon and Dicotyledon Seed

Dicotyledons and monocotyledons differ in terms of their roots, stems, flowers, leaves, and seeds.

Characteristics	Monocotyledon	Dicotyledon
Number of Cotyledons	One	Two
Root System	Fibrous Root System	Tap Root System
Venation	Parallel	Reticulate or Net
Flower	Trimerous	Tetramerous or Pentamerous
Cambium	Absent	Present
Vascular bundle	Scattered	Ringed
Examples	Wheat, Garlic, etc.	Beans, apples, etc.

Structure of a Monocotyledon Seed

Monocotyledon seeds are found in the class of flowering plants known as Liliopsida. They’re mainly herbaceous and their name derives from the seed structure, which shows a single cotyledon in its terminal position. Monocotyledon seeds are well-developed endosperms that can store starch and proteins that are essential for the early growth of the plant. It’s usually hypogeal to reproduce in monocots. The leaves of Monocots are simple, they have isotropic symmetry, pure veins, graceful edges, and a long sheath that encircles the stem. There are vascular bundles distributed throughout the stem, and no cambium is present for diameter expansion.

Examples of Monocotyledon

Wheat, lilies, bananas, onions, garlic, daffodils, etc.

Structure of a Dicotyledon Seed

Dicotyledon seeds are a group of over 1,75,000 plant varieties, from flowers to trees, grouped under the species Magnoliopsida. The presence of two lateral cotyledons differs from the dicotyledons. To initiate plant growth before the start of photosynthesis, starch, fat, and protein are retained in cotyledons. The germination of the dicotyledon seed may be hypoglycaemic or epigeal. Dicot leaves are simple or complex in appearance, with dorsiventral symmetry, net or reticulate venation, and often sharp or broken edges. Stomata are located at the lower edge of the leaf. The dicots have a taproot system, a firm stem, and a vascular system which is wrapped in rings.

Examples of Dicotyledon

Oak, carrots, radishes, almonds, bell peppers, peas, etc.

Conclusion – Dicotyledonous and Monocotyledonous Seed

Monocotyledon and dicotyledon seeds are differentiated based on the number of cotyledons present in their seeds. Monocotyledons or monocots have only one cotyledon in an embryo. Dicotyledon or dicots have two cotyledons in an embryo. Cotyledon is the first seed leaf in an embryo that determine the monocot or dicot nature of a plant. The germination of monocots is usually hypogeal. The leaves are simple, consisting of isotropic symmetry, rounded veins, smooth edges, and sheaths around the stem.

There are vascular bundles in the stem, but they have no cambium to expand their diameter. e.g. wheat. The seed of the dicot is characterized by two divergent cotyledons. Hypogeal or epigeal seed germination can occur in dicots. The dicot leaves are simple or complex have dorsiventral symmetry with reticulate or net venation. The stomata are situated on the lower leaves. The dicots have a taproot system, firm stems and vascular systems arranged in rings. E.g. oak.

FAQs on Dicotyledonous and Monocotyledonous Seed

1. What is Monocotyledon?

The plant which has only one cotyledon in an embryo is known as monocotyledon or monocot. The monocots have scutellum which acts as a shield. It’s positioned on the lateral side of the embryo axis. E.g. Wheat.

2. What is Dicotyledon?

The plant which has two cotyledons in an embryo is known as dicotyledon or dicot. The dicots have seed cover composed of two layers. Double fertilization forms an endosperm in dicots. E.g. Carrot.

3. What is the Difference Between Monocot and Dicot Roots?

The basic difference between monocot and dicot roots is type of root system. The monocots shows a adventatious fibrous root system and dicot shows taproot system.

4. What is the Difference between Monocot and Dicot Vascular Bundles?

In monocots, the vascular tissue is arranged in a ring structure whereas in dicots the xylem forms rays that extend from the middle. The phloem is present between these xylem rays.

5. Enlist 5 Examples of Monocots and Dicots.

1. Monocot: Wheat, lilies, bananas, onions, garlic.
2. Dicots: Castor, pea, apple, oak, carrot.