Definition

The section of a young plant that connects the root to the stem, located below the seed leaves.

Example

The hypocotyl is crucial for the growth of the seedling as it helps support the plant above the ground.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how the hypocotyl helps plants grow?

Not really, but it sounds interesting!

Yeah, it's the part that connects the roots to the leaves in seedlings.

That's cool! I never knew that about plant development.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hypocotyl is formed from "hypo-" (meaning under) and "cotyl" (from Greek "kotyle", meaning cup or hollow). The term refers to the part of a seedling that is located below the cotyledons, essentially the stem that is under the seed leaves.

Memory Tip

Think of 'under' ('hypo-') and a 'cup' or 'hollow' ('cotyl') to remember that a hypocotyl is the part of a seedling that is beneath the seed leaves.

Visually Confused Words