Define endosperm

Endosperm

• Primary Endosperm Cell (PEC) formed as a result of triple fusion undergoes repeated divisions and a triploid endosperm tissue is formed. The main purpose of endosperm is to provide nutrition to the developing embryo.
• Endosperm can be free-nuclear or cellular. Free-nuclear endosperm is the most common type of endosperm development. The best example to understand is the tender coconut.
• In a tender coconut, water present inside is the free-nuclear endosperm. Multiple nuclei float in this highly nutritious clear fluid. Gradually cell walls develop enclosing several nuclei. These cells & nuclei start settling at the periphery, and layers of cellular endosperm start appearing. Therefore, in a completely mature coconut, water turns milky surrounded by cellular part, kernel & it does not contain free nuclei.