endosperm

[ en-duh-spurm ]

noun

, Botany.

1. nutritive matter in seed-plant ovules, derived from the embryo sac.

endosperm

/ ˈɛndəʊˌspɜːm /

noun

1. the tissue within the seed of a flowering plant that surrounds and nourishes the developing embryo

endosperm

/ ĕn′də-spûrm′ /

1. The tissue that surrounds and provides nourishment to the embryo in the seeds of many angiosperms. The cells of the endosperm arise from a process similar to that of fertilization. The pollen of angiosperms contains two sperm, one of which fertilizes the egg cell in the female gametophyte. The second unites with two other nuclei in the female gametophyte, producing cells that are triploid (having three sets of chromosomes) and that develop into the endosperm. In some species of angiosperms, the endosperm is absorbed by the embryo before germination, while in others it is consumed during germination. Embyros that lack an endosperm (such as peas and beans) have absorbed most of their food storage tissues before becoming dormant and develop large, fleshy cotyledons.

Derived Forms

• ˌendoˈspermic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of endosperm¹

1840–50; < French endosperme; endo-, sperm ¹

Example Sentences

In our study, we specifically targeted the increase in vitamin B1 content in the endosperm,'' explains Teresa Fitzpatrick, first author of the study.

From Science Daily

Gehring’s team recently received funding to try to engineer plants that develop endosperm without being fertilized, a feat that some naturally apomictic plants are capable of.

From Science Magazine

All whole grain kernels are comprised of three parts: the bran, the endosperm, and the germ.

From Salon

White flour is made just from the endosperm, while whole wheat contains all three parts.

From Washington Post

Or, if you want to get nitty-gritty about it, a superfine powder, ground from the endosperm of the corn kernel.

From Salon