The Parts of a Soybean Seedling (Glycine max, Dicotyledon)

Dicotyledon: Dicotyledon embryos usually have two cotyledons (or 'seed leaves') that store food enabling the plants to start to grow. Dicots usually have broad leaves with netted veins, and flower parts in multiples of four or five. 
Root system: The part of a plant that is usually below ground, anchors the plant, and absorbs water and minerals. 
Cotyledon: 'Seed leaf,' usually stores food in dicotyledons and absorbs food in monocotyledons. 
Axillary buds: Buds located where a leaf joins a stem. 
Petiole: The stalk of a leaf. 
Compound leaf: A leaf divided into several distinct leaflets. 
Leaflet: One of the parts of a compound leaf. Leaflets do NOT have axillary buds.

  • More About This Resource...

    • This illustrated guide to a soybean seedling (Glycine max,Dicotyledon) is designed to help students recognize and learn the plant’s individual parts. Along with an explanation of dicotyledon embryos, it includes a short description for the following labeled parts:

      • root system,
      • cotyledon,
      • axillary buds,
      • petiole,
      • compound leaf, and
      • leaflet.

    • Completion Time

      Less than 1 period

    • Teacher Tip

      Supplement a study of biodiversity with an activity drawn from this illustrated guide to soybean seedlings.

      1. Distribute copies of The Parts of a Soybean Seedling to students.
      2. Divide the class into small groups, giving each one a soybean seedling to examine.
      3. Have the groups investigate the commercial uses of soybeans—paying particular attention to which parts of the plant are used—and then report their findings to the class. 

    • Topic

      Biology

    • Subtopic

      Plants