Why is the emergence of the radicle an important first step in germination? a. Its hook helps protect the shoot that emerges later. b. It carries out photosynthesis to supply the embryo with food. c. It is important for establishing a supply of water to the growing embryo.= d. It is necessary to break the seed coat.

Verified step by step guidance

1. The emergence of the radicle, which is the embryonic root, is an important first step in germination because it anchors the seed in the soil and starts absorbing water even before the shoot emerges. This is crucial for the survival and growth of the plant embryo. Therefore, the correct answer is c. It is important for establishing a supply of water to the growing embryo.
2. The radicle does not carry out photosynthesis (option b), this is the role of the leaves once they have emerged and are exposed to light.
3. The radicle does not have a hook to protect the shoot (option a), this is a characteristic of the hypocotyl/arched cotyledon in some plants.
4. The radicle does not break the seed coat (option d), the seed coat is usually broken by the expansion of the embryo as it absorbs water.