Identify the parts labelled A to E in the following diagram of a typi…

The correct answer is Option (1) → A–Plumule, B–Cotyledons, C–Hypocotyl, D–Radicle, E–Root cap

A typical dicot embryo has an embryonal axis and two cotyledons. The part of the axis above the cotyledons is the epicotyl, which ends in the plumule at the top. The part below the cotyledons is the hypocotyl, which ends in the radicle (root tip), and the root tip is covered by a root cap.

In the diagram, A is the plumule at the tip, B points to the two cotyledons, C is the hypocotyl below them, D is the radicle and E is the root cap at the lower end.

Option (1) A–Plumule, B–Cotyledons, C–Hypocotyl, D–Radicle, E–Root cap — Correct. A–Plumule, B–Cotyledons, C–Hypocotyl, D–Radicle, E–Root cap follows the order of the parts from top to bottom.

Option (2) A–Hypocotyl, B–Cotyledons, C–Plumule, D–Radicle, E–Root cap — Incorrect. The hypocotyl lies below the cotyledons, not at the tip, so it cannot be A. The plumule is at the top.

Option (3) A–Radicle, B–Root cap, C–Plumule, D–Hypocotyl, E–Cotyledons — Incorrect. The radicle and root cap are at the lower end of the axis, so they cannot be A and B at the top.

Option (4) A–Cotyledons, B–Hypocotyl, C–Plumule, D–Root cap, E–Radicle — Incorrect. The cotyledons are the two lateral structures marked B, not A at the tip, and the root cap lies below the radicle, not above it.

Note: Five arrows on one small drawing were enough to set this question. Cover the labels of the NCERT embryo figures with your hand and see whether you can still name every part.

NCERT Extract:
Embryo – “… A typical dicotyledonous embryo (Figure 1.14a), consists of an embryonal axis and two cotyledons. The portion of embryonal axis above the level of cotyledons is the epicotyl, which terminates with the plumule or stem tip. The cylindrical portion below the level of cotyledons is hypocotyl that terminates at its lower end in the radicle or root tip. The root tip is covered with a root cap.”

Figure 1.14 (a) A typical dicot embryo