104 GERMINATION OF SEEDS: SEEDLINGS 
important functions: (1) by its elongation the plumule is assisted 
in reaching above the soil; and (2) through it the endosperm 
and substances absorbed by the temporary roots reach the plu- 
Fic. 98.— Seedling of Wheat after the permanent root system is estab- 
lished. g, ground line; p, permanent root system; a, temporary stem por- 
tion; k, grain; ¢, temporary root system. About half natural size. 
mule. But after the permanent roots are well established, there 
is no longer any need for this stem region, which now being with- 
out a function makes no further development. Nevertheless 
