What is the small seed leaf that emerges when a seed germinates?

The small seed leaf that emerges when a seed germinates is known as the cotyledon. This structure serves as the first leaf or leaves that provide nourishment to the developing seedling in its initial stages of growth. Cotyledons are essential because they contain stored nutrients from the seed that help fuel the young plant until it can develop true leaves capable of photosynthesis.

In many plants, especially dicots, the cotyledons can often be seen as the initial green leaves that sprout above the soil. They differ from true leaves in both structure and function, but they play a critical role in supporting early growth. Understanding the role of cotyledons is fundamental in botany, particularly when studying seed germination and plant development.