Endosperm formation

Endosperm development precedes embryo development.

Two stages of endosperm development :

          (i) Free nuclear endosperm (common method): In this method the PEN undergoes successive
nuclear divisions to give rise to free nuclei.

          (ii) Cellular endosperm : here cell wall formation takes place and endosperm becomes cellular.

Endosperm may either be completely consumed by the developing embryo (e.g., pea,  beans) before seed
maturation or it may persist in the mature seed (e.g. coconut) and be used up during seed germination.

Cells of endosperm stores food materials which used for developing embryo.

      Non - Albuminous / Non-Endospermic seeds are those in which endosperm is completely utilized  before maturation of seeds. Ex: pea

      Albuminous / Endospermic seeds are those in which a portion of endosperm remains in mature seeds. Ex: castor