Meaning and usage of the word endosperm in English

Meaning and usage of the word endosperm in English

Meaning of vocabulary endosperm

endospermnoun
nội nhũ
/ˈendəʊspɜːm//ˈendəʊspɜːrm/

Origin of the word endosperm

The word "endosperm" comes from the Greek roots "endo," meaning "within," and "sperma," meaning "seed." Endosperm refers to a nutritive tissue that develops within the ovule (seed embryo) of many flowering plants, such as cereals like wheat and rice. It provides the embryo with essential nutrients and energy during germination and early seedling growth, eventually breakdown as the embryo develops its own food-producing structures. The endosperm is a unique part of the plant body due to its origin from both the male and female parent, the sperm nucleus and the diploid nuclear mass of the ovule, respectively. Understanding the development and function of endosperm is crucial in agriculture and plant breeding because it impacts seed quality and yield.

Vocabulary summary endosperm

type noun

meaning (botany) endosperm

Example of vocabulary endospermnamespace

The endosperm in a mature corn kernel serves as a reservoir of nutrients for the embryo.
The endosperm in sunflower seeds is rich in essential oils and fatty acids, making it a popular ingredient in health foods.
In some seeds, the endosperm doesn't fully develop, allowing the embryo to use up all of the stored resources.
During germination, the endosperm is consumed by the growing seedling, providing it with the necessary energy to emerge from the seed coat.
Endosperm is why seeds can survive long periods of time in a dormant state, as it conserves resources for when the seed is finally ready to germinate.