Difference Between Monocot Embryo and Dicot Embryo

September 2022 · 5 minute read

Main Difference

The main difference between Monocot Embryo and Dicot Embryo is that Monocot Embryo has single cotyledon attached to the embryonal axis whereas Dicot Embryo has two cotyledons attached to the embryonal axis.

Monocot Embryo vs. Dicot Embryo

Angiosperms, the flowering plants, are the most diversified and successful groups of plants on earth. It has two division, i.e., monocot and dicot. These two types differ in their structure. They have different types of roots, stem, leaves, flowers, seeds, and embryo, etc. Monocot embryo is the rudimentary stage of a monocot whereas; dicot embryo is the rudimentary stage of a dicot. The zygote develops inside the embryo sac to form an embryo. The monocot embryo has a single cotyledon; on the other hand, dicot embryo has two cotyledons. A single monocot cotyledon in monocot embryo occurs at the terminal position of the axis. On the flip side, two dicot cotyledons in dicot embryo occur laterally to the axis. In monocot embryo, plumule occurs laterally while it occurs distally in dicot embryo. Monocot embryo has an endosperm to feed the embryo but, dicot embryo mostly does not have an endosperm to feed it. There are protective sheaths around plumule and radicle in monocot embryo known as coleoptile and coleorhiza respectively. On the flip side, dicot embryo is without these protective sheaths.

Comparison Chart

Monocot EmbryoDicot Embryo
The rudimentary stage of a monocot plant that can develop into a new individual is known as monocot embryo.The rudimentary stage of a dicot plant that can develop into a new individual is known as dicot embryo.
Number of Cotyledons
It has a single cotyledon.It has two cotyledons.
Position of Cotyledons
A single monocot cotyledon in monocot embryo occurs at the terminal position of the axis.Two dicot cotyledons in dicot embryo occur laterally to the axis.
Plumule
In monocot embryo, plumule occurs laterally.Plumule occurs distally in dicot embryo.
Envelope of Plumule
In monocot, the envelope of the plumule is called coleoptile.The plumule of the dicot doesn’t have an envelope.
Endosperm
Monocot embryo has an endosperm to feed the embryo.Dicot embryo mostly does not have an endosperm to feed it.
Protective Sheaths
Monocot radicle has protective sheaths known as coleorhiza that covers the radicle.There is no protective sheath in dicot embryo.
Scutellum
Monocot embryo has a scutellum.The scutellum is absent in dicot embryo.
Suspensor
A single-celled suspensor is produced by the basal cell in monocot embryo.Basal cell forms a large 6-10 celled suspensor in dicot embryo.
The resemblance to True Leave
Monocot cotyledon resembles the true leaves.Dicot cotyledons have no resemblance with the true leaves.

What is Monocot Embryo?

Monocot embryo is a rudimentary stage of monocot plants that may develop into a new individual. It is present inside the seed. Monocot embryo consists of one embryonic leaf or cotyledon. The cotyledon of the monocot is long and narrow. It is located at the tip of the primary axis, and the plumule or the rudimentary shoot is situated at the lateral side of this axis. A large endosperm is also present in the monocot seed. Monocot embryo has protective sheaths around plumule and radicle that are known as coleoptile and coleorhiza respectively. Some examples of monocots are cereal grains like wheat, rice, and corn, grasses like sugar cane and bamboo, crops like palm and banana, horticultural plants like daffodils, tulips, lilies, and orchids and asparaguses like onion and garlic, etc.

What is Dicot Embryo?

Dicot embryo is a rudimentary stage of dicot plants that is present inside the dicot seed. It consists of two, broad cotyledons. These two cotyledons are present on either side of the primary axis. In dicot embryo, the apical bud is located at the tip of the primary axis, whereas, the root tip is situated at the base of the axis. The embryonic leaves in dicot embryo do not resemble the true leaves in shape. They are fatter than true leaves. Moreover, dicot embryos are without endosperm or have a tiny endosperm. Dicot embryo is without any protective sheaths. The examples of dicots are mostly woody plants, i.e., oaks, daisies, beans, roses, peas, and tomatoes, etc.

Key Differences

  • The rudimentary stage of a monocot plant that can develop into a new individual is known as monocot embryo whereas, the rudimentary stage of a dicot plant that can develop into a new individual is known as dicot embryo.
  • Monocot embryo has a single cotyledon; on the other hand, dicot embryo has two cotyledons.
  • A single monocot cotyledon in monocot embryo occurs at the terminal position of the axis. Conversely, two dicot cotyledons in dicot embryo occur laterally to the axis.
  • In monocot embryo, plumule occurs laterally on the flip side; plumule occurs distally in dicot embryo.
  • In monocot, the envelope of the plumule is called coleoptile while the plumule of the dicot doesn’t have an envelope.
  • Monocot embryo has an endosperm to feed the embryo; on the other side, dicot embryo mostly does not have an endosperm to feed it.
  • Monocot radicle has protective sheaths known as coleorhiza that covers the radicle whereas, there is no any protective sheath around radicle in dicot embryo.
  • Monocot embryo has a scutellum on the flip side; scutellum is absent in dicot embryo.
  • A single-celled suspensor is produced by the basal cell in monocot embryo. Conversely, basal cell forms a large 6-10 celled suspensor in dicot embryo.
  • Monocot cotyledon resembles the true leaves while dicot cotyledons have no resemblance with the true leaves.

    • Conclusion

    Above discussion summarizes that monocot embryo is a rudimentary stage of monocot plants that has a single cotyledon and has endosperm. On the other hand, dicot embryo is a rudimentary stage of dicot plants that has two cotyledons and has tiny or no endosperm.

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