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Endosperm

Endosperm

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 07:10 PM IST

Endosperm is a nutritive tissue that is formed after double fertilisation in angiosperms. It is an important tissue for seed development and germination. It serves as primary food source for the growing embryo. It is of varied structures and functions within different species in the Plant Kingdom.

Endosperm is formed after double fertilisation—a unique characteristic of Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants. One sperm cell from the structure of pollen grain fuses with two polar nuclei in the embryo sac. This forms the Tripoid Primary Endosperm nucleus. This nucleus undergoes repeated cell division, which results in the formation of Different Types of Endosperm.

This Story also Contains
  1. What is Endosperm?
  2. Structure And Types Of Endosperm
  3. Formation And Development Of Endosperm
  4. Functions Of Endosperm
  5. Endosperm In Different Plant Species
  6. Endosperm Genetic And Molecular Aspects
  7. Commercial And Agricultural Significance
  8. Endosperm Abnormalities
  9. MCQs on Endosperm
  10. Recommended Video On 'Endosperm'
Endosperm
Endosperm

What is Endosperm?

Endosperm refers to a kind of tissue that is developed inside the seeds of flowering plants, the majority of them after fertilisation has occurred. This tissue encapsulates the embryo and provides it with nutrition in the form of starches, proteins, and oils, which facilitate its development and seed germination. Role of endosperm:

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Structure And Types Of Endosperm

Endosperm is a tissue that stores food for the growing embryo in seeds. The endosperm structure varies in different plant species and is differentiated based on how its cellular development takes place.

Cellular Endosperm

  • The development takes place through the cell division of the primary endosperm nucleus.

  • After every division, cytokinesis takes place and a cellular structure develops.

  • This type is prevalent in plants of Datura and Petunia.

Nuclear Endosperm

  • The primary endosperm nucleus divides several times without cytokinesis and results in a multinucleate structure.

  • Later, cellularisation takes place around each nucleus.

  • Plants having this type of endosperm are Maize and wheat.

Helobial Endosperm

  • It is the fusion of cellular and nuclear types.

  • A cell division primarily leads to the formation of two regions: one undergoing nuclear-type development and the other cellular-type.

  • Distribution is present in plants such as monocotyledons, for example, Alismataceae.

Formation And Development Of Endosperm

The development of endosperm starts with double fertilisation, which consequently triggers the formation of the primary endosperm nucleus. The primary endosperm nucleus divides many times to form the endosperm tissue. This tissue stores food and helps the embryo grow properly inside the seed.

Double fertilisation

  • It is the process by which one sperm nucleus combines with the egg cell to form the zygote.

  • The other sperm nucleus fuses with two polar nuclei to become the triploid primary endosperm nucleus.

  • The embryo develops with the endosperm.

Primary Endosperm Nucleus

  • The triploid primary endosperm nucleus divides mitotically.

  • Starts to develop the endosperm tissue that will feed the developing embryo.

Stages In The Development Of Endosperm

  • Free nuclear stage: More than one free nucleus

  • Cellularization: Cell walls begin to appear around nuclei, giving them a cellular nature.

  • Maturation: The accumulation of nutrients with their structural changes within the seed allows the seed to be ready to germinate.

Functions Of Endosperm

Endosperm plays a key role in seed germination. It provides food, support, and signals to help the embryo grow. Endosperm carries out various important roles in growing and germinating seeds. Some of the functions of endosperm are given below:

Nutrient Storage

  • Starch, proteins, and oils are stored as reserve food material.

  • A steady supply of nutrients to the growing embryo is provided.

Support for Embryo Development

  • The embryo is surrounded and cushioned by the endosperm.

  • Supplies hormones and growth regulators.

Role In Seed Germination

  • Stored nutrients are broken down during germination.

  • Fuels the initial growth until the seedling can photosynthesize.

Endosperm In Different Plant Species

Endosperm structure and function may differ quite drastically between dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous seeds. Some examples of different endosperms in different plant species are given below:

  • Rice and wheat: The endosperm persists as a significant part of the seed.

  • Coconut: Liquid endosperm, that is, coconut water; solid endosperm, the coconut meat.

  • Castor: Endosperm is rich in oil, and it's essential for the development of the seedling

Differences Between Endosperm In Monocots And Dicots

Feature

Monocots

Dicots

Presence

Typically present and persists in the parts of seed

Often consumed during seed development

Function

The main source of nutrition for the developing seedling

Provides nutrition primarily during early seed development

Structure

Usually larger and more prominent

Smaller or sometimes absent in mature seeds

Number of Cotyledons

One cotyledon

Two Cotyledons

Storage Compounds

Mainly stores starch

Stores starch, proteins, and lipids

Examples

Grasses (e.g., wheat, maize)

Legumes (e.g., beans, peas)

Seed Type

Endospermic seeds (with endosperm)

Non-endospermic seeds (endosperm is often absorbed by cotyledons)

Nutrient Utilisation

Seedling utilizes endosperm for growth

Cotyledons often take over the role of nutrient storage and transfer

Endosperm Genetic And Molecular Aspects

Endosperm development is controlled by genes and plant hormones. These signals help the endosperm grow properly and support the embryo. The formation and activity of the endosperm are regulated by complex genetic and hormonal interactions as given below:

Genetic Control Of Endosperm Development

  • It requires specific profiles of gene expression

  • It involves epigenetic modulations as well

Hormones In The Development Of Endosperm

  • Auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins regulate the plant growth and development of the endosperm.

  • The balance of hormones is an essential prerequisite for the normal functioning of the endosperm

Commercial And Agricultural Significance

Endosperm is very important in agriculture and the food industry. It provides nutrients like starch and is used to improve crop quality and nutrition through breeding and agriculture biotechnology . Endosperm finds huge applications in food industries and agriculture are given under:

Endosperm In The Food Industry

  • Source of carbohydrates. For example, flour from wheat

  • Taken in a variety of foodstuffs

Effects On Crop Yield And Quality

  • The quality of endosperm determines seed weight and nutritional value.

  • Breeding programs target the improvement of characteristics relating to endosperm.

Role In Biotechnology

  • For example, the "Golden Rice"

  • Genetic modification for improved nutritional value

  • Golden rice: Endosperm enriched with Vitamin A.

Endosperm Abnormalities

Sometimes, endosperm does not develop properly, leading to poor seed growth. These abnormalities can be caused by genetic mutations or environmental stress. Abnormal development of endosperm results in defective seeds having reduced viability.

  • Faulty cellularization

  • Dwarfism and weak growth.

  • Causes and Implications

  • Mutation of genes

  • Stress due to environmental factors.

Examples Of Common Abnormalities

  • Chalky endosperm in rice.

  • Shrunken endosperm in maize.

MCQs on Endosperm

Question 1: The morphological nature of the edible part of coconut is:

  1. Perisperm

  2. Cotyledon

  3. Endosperm

  4. Pericarp

Answer: Free-nuclear endosperm refers to a stage in the development of endosperm where successive nuclear divisions occur without the formation of cell walls, resulting in the presence of multiple free nuclei in the endosperm. This stage is characterized by the nuclei freely floating in the cytoplasm. An example of free-nuclear endosperm is the coconut water from a tender coconut, which is essentially the liquid endosperm containing these free nuclei before it eventually solidifies into the mature endosperm (the white part of the coconut).

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Endosperm

Question 2: If the diploid number of a flowering plant is 36. What would be the chromosome number in its endosperm?

  1. 36

  2. 18

  3. 54

  4. 72

Answer: The endosperm is a product of triple fusion. One male nucleus (n=18) fuses with a diploid secondary nucleus (2n=36), and it becomes 3n=54. It forms as a result of triple fusion, where one male gamete (n = 18) fuses with the diploid central cell (2n = 36) in the embryo sac, resulting in a triploid nucleus (3n = 54).

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) 54.

Question 3: Perisperm differs from endosperm in:

  1. Its formation by fusion of secondary nucleus with several sperms

  2. Being a haploid tissue

  3. Having no reserve food

  4. Being a diploid tissue

Answer: The ploidy level and origin are the only differences between the perisperm and the endosperm. Perisperm is a diploid tissue (2n), which is the product of nucellus before fertilization, providing a food reserve for the embryo. The endosperm is triploid (3n), as it is developed after fertilization through a mechanism called double fertilization, where a sperm cell combines with two polar nuclei. Such a difference highlights their roles during seed development and nutrition.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 4) being a diploid tissue.

Question 4: Which of the following statements about endosperm development is true?

  1. Endosperm development precedes embryo development.

  2. Endosperm is triploid in all angiosperms.

  3. The primary endosperm cell forms a diploid endosperm tissue.

  4. Endosperm provides nutrition to the developing embryo.

Answer: Endosperm development occurs before embryo development. Following fertilization, the primary endosperm cell divides repeatedly to generate endosperm tissue. Endosperm tissue is triploid, which means it has three sets of chromosomes. Endosperm tissue cells are loaded with reserve food components like as carbohydrates and proteins, which provide sustenance to the developing embryo. Until the embryo can create its food delivery system, the endosperm provides vital nutrients for its growth and development.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Endosperm provides nutrition to the developing embryo.

More useful resources:

Recommended Video On 'Endosperm'


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is endosperm and what is the purpose of it?

Endosperm is the triploid tissue that provides the developing embryo of a seed with all of the required nutrition for its growth and germination.

2. How do plants develop endosperm?

The endosperm arises following double fertilization, a process in which one sperm nucleus combines with two polar nuclei to form the triploid primary endosperm nucleus.

3. What is the diversity of endosperm?

There are three major kinds of endosperm—cellular, nuclear, and helobial—based on cellular development processes.

4. Why is endosperm important for agriculture?

Endosperm is responsible for seed development and germination; endosperm thus impacts the yield, quality, and nutritional value of crops; hence, it is very critical for agriculture.

5. What are the major differences in endosperm in monocots versus dicots?

Generally, in monocots, the endosperm persists and provides nutrients during germination. In a dicot, however, the endosperm is usually absorbed by the cotyledons during seed development.

6. How does endosperm affect seed size and plant fitness?
Endosperm significantly influences seed size by determining the amount of nutrients available to the developing embryo. Larger seeds with more endosperm often produce more vigorous seedlings, potentially increasing plant fitness. However, there's a trade-off between seed size and number, as plants have limited resources to allocate to seed production.
7. What is the significance of endosperm balance number (EBN) in plant breeding?
The endosperm balance number (EBN) is a genetic concept used to predict the success of interspecific crosses. It's based on the observation that a 2:1 ratio of maternal to paternal genomes in the endosperm is often necessary for normal seed development. Understanding EBN helps plant breeders predict which crosses are likely to produce viable seeds, especially when working with plants of different ploidy levels or closely related species.
8. What is the role of endosperm in human nutrition?
Endosperm plays a significant role in human nutrition as it forms the edible part of many important food crops. For example, in cereal grains like wheat, rice, and corn, the endosperm is rich in carbohydrates and proteins, making it a primary source of calories in many diets worldwide. Additionally, endosperm in some seeds contains oils and other nutrients valuable for human consumption.
9. What is xenia and how does it relate to endosperm?
Xenia is the immediate effect of pollen on seed and fruit characteristics, particularly visible in the endosperm. Because endosperm is triploid and contains genetic material from both parents, the pollen source can influence endosperm traits like color or composition. This phenomenon is important in agriculture and plant breeding, as it can affect crop quality and yield.
10. How does endosperm affect seed dispersal strategies?
Endosperm can influence seed dispersal strategies in several ways:
11. How does endosperm affect seed longevity and storage?
Endosperm composition and structure can significantly affect seed longevity and storage properties:
12. How does endosperm affect hybrid seed production?
Endosperm plays a crucial role in hybrid seed production:
13. How does endosperm affect seed dormancy and germination timing?
Endosperm influences seed dormancy and germination timing in several ways:
14. How does endosperm differ from cotyledons?
While both endosperm and cotyledons provide nutrition to developing embryos, they differ in origin and function. Endosperm is a triploid tissue resulting from double fertilization, while cotyledons are part of the embryo itself. In some plants, endosperm is absorbed by the cotyledons during seed development, while in others, it persists and becomes the main nutrient source during germination.
15. How does endosperm development differ between monocots and dicots?
In monocots, endosperm typically persists in mature seeds and becomes the primary source of nutrients during germination. In contrast, many dicots have transient endosperm that is mostly or completely absorbed by the developing cotyledons before seed maturation. This difference affects seed structure and germination patterns between these two groups of flowering plants.
16. What is the difference between albuminous and exalbuminous seeds?
Albuminous seeds retain endosperm tissue in mature seeds, while exalbuminous seeds have little or no endosperm at maturity. In albuminous seeds (like wheat or corn), the endosperm serves as the primary nutrient source during germination. In exalbuminous seeds (like beans or peas), the nutrients are transferred to and stored in the cotyledons before seed maturation.
17. What are haustorial endosperms and what is their function?
Haustorial endosperms are specialized structures that develop from the endosperm in some plant species. They grow out from the main body of the endosperm and penetrate surrounding maternal tissues. The primary function of haustorial endosperms is to enhance nutrient uptake from the mother plant to support rapid seed development. They're particularly common in plants with small seeds that develop quickly.
18. How does endosperm composition vary among different plant species?
Endosperm composition can vary significantly among plant species:
19. What is double fertilization and how does it relate to endosperm formation?
Double fertilization is a unique process in flowering plants where two sperm cells fertilize different targets in the ovule. One sperm fertilizes the egg cell to form the zygote (2n), while the other fuses with two polar nuclei to form the endosperm nucleus (3n). This second fusion initiates endosperm development, resulting in a triploid tissue that nourishes the developing embryo.
20. What are the different types of endosperm development in flowering plants?
There are three main types of endosperm development in flowering plants:
21. What is the role of cellularization in endosperm development?
Cellularization is a critical process in endosperm development where cell walls form around the free nuclei produced during the initial stages of nuclear division. This process compartmentalizes the endosperm, allowing for differentiation of specialized regions like the aleurone layer. Cellularization is essential for proper endosperm function and influences the final structure and composition of the seed.
22. What is the role of programmed cell death in endosperm development?
Programmed cell death (PCD) plays several important roles in endosperm development:
23. How does endosperm contribute to seed coat development?
While endosperm doesn't directly form the seed coat, it plays a role in its development:
24. What is endosperm and why is it important in flowering plants?
Endosperm is a nutritive tissue found in the seeds of flowering plants. It develops after double fertilization and provides nourishment to the developing embryo. Endosperm is crucial for seed germination and early seedling growth, supplying essential nutrients until the young plant can photosynthesize independently.
25. How does endosperm contribute to seed dormancy?
Endosperm can contribute to seed dormancy by:
26. How do endosperm transfer cells function?
Endosperm transfer cells are specialized cells located at the interface between maternal tissue and endosperm. They have ingrowths in their cell walls that greatly increase surface area, enhancing their ability to transport nutrients from the mother plant to the developing seed. These cells play a crucial role in seed filling and ultimately affect seed size and quality.
27. How does endosperm affect seed germination?
Endosperm affects seed germination in several ways:
28. What is aleurone layer and how is it related to endosperm?
The aleurone layer is the outermost layer of the endosperm in many seeds, particularly in cereal grains. It consists of specialized cells rich in proteins and enzymes. During germination, the aleurone layer plays a crucial role by producing and secreting hydrolytic enzymes that break down the stored nutrients in the starchy endosperm, making them available to the growing embryo.
29. Why is endosperm triploid instead of diploid?
Endosperm is triploid (3n) because it results from the fusion of one sperm cell (n) with two polar nuclei (each n) in the central cell of the embryo sac. This unique genetic makeup allows for increased gene expression and rapid growth, which is crucial for providing nutrients to the developing embryo.
30. How do genomic imprinting effects manifest in endosperm?
Genomic imprinting in endosperm refers to the differential expression of genes depending on their parental origin. This can manifest in several ways:
31. How does endosperm ploidy level affect seed development?
The triploid nature of endosperm affects seed development in several ways:
32. What is the relationship between endosperm and embryo development?
The relationship between endosperm and embryo development is complex and interdependent:
33. What is the role of cell wall invertase in endosperm development?
Cell wall invertase plays a crucial role in endosperm development:
34. How does endosperm development affect seed size regulation?
Endosperm development is a key factor in regulating seed size:
35. What is the function of aleurone cells in mature seeds?
Aleurone cells, the outermost layer of endosperm, have several important functions in mature seeds:
36. What is the significance of protein bodies in cereal endosperm?
Protein bodies in cereal endosperm are important for several reasons:
37. How does endosperm development differ in gymnosperms compared to angiosperms?
Endosperm development in gymnosperms differs from angiosperms in several key ways:
38. What is the significance of endosperm transfer cells in seed filling?
Endosperm transfer cells are crucial for seed filling:
39. What is the role of auxin in endosperm development?
Auxin, a plant hormone, plays several roles in endosperm development:
40. What is the role of starch branching enzymes in endosperm development?
Starch branching enzymes play a crucial role in endosperm development, particularly in cereal grains:

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