| MadSci Network: Botany |
Your question is a little confusing and may need to be further clarified by you.
If we take your question to mean that the cotyledens in the dicot have a role in photosynthesis then I think we have the question reversed. In that the function of the cotyledn[s] is that of a storage organ.
Thus, the photosynthesis of the plant, as it nears full maturity, provides the energy to fully develop and fill out the seed giving maximim storage potential to the cotyledens. The photosynthesis of the maturing plant ensures the cotyleden development for providing a next generation.
It is interesting to note that in some dicots the cotyledens emerge from the ground, turning green (indicationg photosynthesis) and wither, having served the function of providing energy for the newly emerging plant. At the same time, in other dicots, I believe peas are an example, the cotyledns do not emerge from the ground.
It might be interesting to plant several species of dicots and observe:
1. Those in which the cotyledens emerge
2. How long the cotyledens take to wither
3. Observe the color and time of withering for those dicots in which the cotyledens do not emerge froom the ground.
Jonathan Yentis
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