Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seedling recently germinated. The radicle (first root) has emerged from the seed coat and is now visible as the primary root with secondary roots branching off. The primary root merges into the hypocotyl (stem below the cotyledons). The primary root grows down while the hypocotyl will lift the cotyledons (still inside the seed coat) above ground and the shoot will then grow upward.