Seeds of higher plants exhibit two types of food-storing tissues, they are – Perisperm and endosperm. Stored food is found in the seeds in the form of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, which is utilized during embryonic development while the seed germinates. In the event of seedlings, the endosperm gets dissolved.
The differentiating factor between both tissues is that perisperm is diploid, emerging from the nucleus, while the endosperm is triploid, emerging from triple fusion.
Perisperm
- This food-storing tissue emerges from the nucleus
- Perisperm is found only in some families, such as Caryophyllaceae, Amaranthaceae, Portulacaceae, Zingiberaceae etc, wherein the existing embryo sac in these families turns densely packed food material within the seed
- The endosperm of the seed absorbs nutrients from the perisperm transforms it into the embryo
Endosperm
- The most prominent food-storing seed tissue, it is formed from the primary endosperm nucleus
- Triple fusion generates an endosperm nucleus within the embryo sac
- During this fusion, three haploid nuclei unite to produce the triploid nucleus
- The endosperm is formed due to the repeated cell division by mitosis hence capable of food storage for embryonic development
- Usually, it is considered to be a polypoid
Difference between Perisperm and Endosperm
The table below depicts a few differences between Perisperm and Endosperm
| Attributes | Perisperm | Endosperm |
| Origination | Nucleus | Primary endosperm nucleus |
| Chromosomal makeup | Diploid cells | Triploid cells |
| Surrounds this structure | Endosperm | Embryo |
| Nature | Dry | Soft |
| Nutrition | Absorbed by endosperm | Embryo absorbs nutrition |
| Occurence | Observed only in certain families such as Caryophyllaceae, Amaranthaceae, Portulacaceae, Zingiberaceae etc | Typically found in almost all seeds |
| Example | Coffee, black pepper, sugar, beet | Tomato, ground nut, cereal grains |
Keep it locked to BYJU’S for more differences important for NEET.
Also Check:
| Difference Between Internal and External Fertilization |
| Difference between Oviparous and Viviparous Animals |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a perisperm?
Perisperm is a food-storing nutritive tissue emerging from the nucleus. Furthermore, the endosperm of the seed absorbs nutrients from the perisperm and transforms them into the embryo.
What are diploid and triploid cells?
Cells with two sets of chromosomes in the nucleus are called diploids. Likewise, cells with three sets are termed triploids. Perisperm is a diploid cell, whereas endosperm is triploid.
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