Endosperm
Endosperm is a tissue produced within the seeds of flowering plants (angiosperms) during the process of fertilization. It provides vital nutrients to the developing embryo and can serve as a food source for the seedling upon germination. The endosperm may be starchy, fatty, or proteinaceous, depending on the plant species.
Endosperm meaning with examples
- In corn and many other grains, the endosperm is the primary component that supplies energy-rich carbohydrates to the developing plant embryos, ensuring successful germination.
- The endosperm of wheat is ground to produce flour, which is essential for baking and creating various food products, making it a significant agricultural commodity worldwide.
- In beans, the endosperm contains proteins that are crucial for the early stages of a plant’s growth, providing a source of nutrition as the seedling emerges from the soil.
- The endosperm's role varies among different plants; for instance, in coconut, the endosperm is a dense, nutrient-rich 'meat' that serves as a food reserve for the developing embryo.
- Palm seeds often have a substantial endosperm, which is adapted to provide long-term nourishment in harsher environmental conditions, aiding in the plant’s survival and establishment.
Endosperm Synonyms
angiosperm tissue
cereal germ
cotyledon
embryonic nourishment
endospermic layer
fleshy seed
food reserve
food storage
grain
inner seed layer
nutrient tissue
nutritive tissue
ovule structure
plant embryo nourishment
plant reserve
seed endosperm
seed tissue
starch
storage cells
supplemental tissue