What is the beaning of life? I don’t know but the seed is germinated and starting to emerge from the soil!
Now, you might believe that a seed will emerge from the earth with two fully formed leaves. But alas, these two leaf like structures are cotyledons, part of the seed. It’s what is left over of the endosperm. The endosperm is the food source for the plant embryo.
The dread of growing my own plant has lessened. I refuse to name it just in case it dies, but I am enjoying it’s presence in my life. Feeling: okay about this!
YOU WANT A SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATION? BOO!
Here is my very scientific drawing of a seedling. At this point, the tap root has established itself. Branching off of this are the lateral roots. These roots will uptake water and minerals used in growth and other important plant processes.
The hypocotyl has fully emerged from the soil and is growing upwards, towards the sun. The cotyledons are splitting to reveal the plumules, the first leaves. The leaves are turning green because of the presence of chlorophyll. Once fully emerged, they will begin the process of photosynthesizing, converting solar energy into useable forms for the plant.