Endosperm

The endosperm is a tissue that surrounds the embryo of a seed and has a nutritive role. It consists of a matrix of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, which are essential to nourish the embryo as it develops into a plant. It is the major storage tissue for reserve carbohydrates and proteins in most angiosperms (flowering plants). Moreover, some species of monocotyledonous plants rely entirely upon the endosperm for nutrition during germination. The endosperm is of major commercially importance, as many seed-based food products like corn and rice are derived from it. In addition, the knowledge about its composition helps to improve the nutritional quality of many crop plants.