Endosperm
The endosperm is a specialized tissue that forms within the seeds of flowering plants (angiosperms) after fertilization. It serves as a crucial food reserve for the developing embryo, supplying it with necessary nutrients during the early stages of germination. The endosperm is predominantly found in monocot seeds, such as maize and rice, which are classified as endospermic seeds. Contrastingly, dicot seeds, like beans and grams, store nutrients primarily in the cotyledons and are non-endospermic. The endosperm consists of various components including starch, proteins, and oils that provide energy and essential nourishment to the embryo until it can produce its own food through photosynthesis. Understanding the role of endosperm is significant in both plant biology and agriculture, as it directly impacts seed viability and plant growth.