Aleurone

Definition

Aleurone is the outermost layer of the endosperm in seeds, primarily found in cereals. It plays a critical role in seed germination by secreting enzymes that break down stored nutrients for the developing plant.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aleurone cells are packed with proteins and lipids necessary for seedling growth.
2. It produces hydrolytic enzymes such as amylases and proteases during seed germination.
3. The aleurone layer is typically one cell thick but can be multiple layers in some plants like maize.
4. Gibberellins, a type of plant hormone, trigger enzyme production in aleurone cells.
5. The breakdown products from aleurone enzyme activity provide essential nutrients to the embryo.

Review Questions

Related terms

Endosperm: The tissue produced inside seeds that provides nutrition to the developing embryo.

Gibberellins:

Plant hormones that promote growth and trigger enzyme production in seeds.

Amylase:

An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into sugars, produced by the aleurone layer during germination.