The hypocotyl is that structure that lifts and pulls the cotyledons up through the soil surface. When soybean seeds germinate the hypocotyl elongates, pulling the two cotyledons (seed leaves) above the soil surface.

What is the role of hypocotyl in most seeds?

germination. ) the hypocotyl (embryonic stem) grows several inches above the ground, carrying the cotyledons into the light, in which they become green and often leaflike (e.g., epigeal germination).

Why is the epicotyl important?

An epicotyl is important for the beginning stages of a plant's life. It is the region of a seedling stem above the stalks of the seed leaves of an embryo plant. It grows rapidly, showing hypogeal germination, and extends the stem above the soil surface.