Organism
Bean Plant
TL;DR
The radicle (embryonic root) emerges first - within 24-48 hours of water uptake.
Watch a bean seed germinate. The radicle (embryonic root) emerges first - within 24-48 hours of water uptake. The shoot doesn't emerge for another 3-5 days. The root gets a 72-hour head start because the shoot will immediately start losing water through transpiration. Root system capacity must exceed shoot system demands or the plant can't maintain water balance.
Notable Traits of Bean Plant
- Root emerges 72 hours before shoot
- Demonstrates root-first growth strategy