Question

If the hypocotyl does not elongate, it is a _______ germination.

Answer 1

Hypocotyl is the stem of the germinating seedling which is present below the baby leaves or cotyledons and above the growing root or the radicle. The hypocotyl in the later stages is converted into the stem of the plant.

Complete answer:
Germination is the process by which the seed grows into the seedling after breaking the dormancy. When the seed receives sufficient water, sunlight, air, it breaks its dormancy and begins to germinate. Let us discuss the types of germination.

Germination is of two types:
• Epigeal- It is the gemination which takes place above the ground. In this the cotyledons rise above the ground and the hypocotyl elongates to form the stem. The epicotyl is of the same length.

• Hypogeal- This kind of germination is opposite to that of the epigeal. This is also known as underground germination. In this the cotyledons do not rise and the hypocotyl remains in the same length. The plumule is pushed by the epicotyl above the ground. This kind of germination is seen in both monocot and dicot plants. Few examples of this type of germination are the plants like peas, corn.

So on the basis of the types of germination, we can conclude that If the hypocotyl does not elongate, it is a hypogeal germination.

Note: The radicle is the baby root or the embryonic root that develops from the seed. It grows towards the gravity that is downwards. The plumule is the baby shoot that develops from the germinating seeds. It grows against the gravity. The cotyledons are the baby leaves which provide nourishment to the germinating embryo.