Difference Between Radicle and Plumule : A new plant or seedling arises from seed by the germination process. The seeds absorb moisture and begin to produce roots and shoots with the help of necessary nutrients stored in the endosperm and cotyledons.
The radicle is the first part to germinate, giving rise to the plant's root system. The plumule is formed after the radicle, giving rise to the shoot system.Related Links -
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Point of Difference | Radicle | Plumule |
Definition | The embryonic part of the seed that forms the plant's root system is known as Radicle. | The embryonic part of the seed that forms the shoot system of the plant is known as Plumule. |
Direction of growth | The radicle grows inside the soil. | The plumule grows outside of the soil, in the air. |
Phototropism | It is negatively phototropic, i.e. grows away from sunlight. | It is positively phototropic, i.e. grows towards sunlight. |
Geotropism | It is positively geotropic, i.e. develops along the force of gravity. | It is negatively geotropic, i.e. develops against the force of gravity. |
Hydrotropism | It is positively hydrotropic, i.e. grows towards the presence of moisture. | It is negatively hydrotropic, i.e. grows away from the presence of moisture. |
Development | It is the first part to be formed from the seed. | It develops after the radicle is produced. |
Colour | White | Less whitish as compared to the radicle. |
Components | It forms the root system which bears long, slender roots with root hairs and root caps at the tips. | It forms the shoot system which bears leaves, buds, flowers, fruits, nodes and internodes. |
Function | The main function of the radicle is to absorb water and nutrients from the soil while also anchoring and fixing the plant body in the substratum. | The primary function of the plumule is to develop and bear the vegetative and reproductive parts of the plant like leaves and flowers. Leaves are responsible for photosynthesis whereas flowers help reproduce the plant. |