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
- Aleurone cells are packed with proteins and lipids necessary for seedling growth.
- It produces hydrolytic enzymes such as amylases and proteases during seed germination.
- The aleurone layer is typically one cell thick but can be multiple layers in some plants like maize.
- Gibberellins, a type of plant hormone, trigger enzyme production in aleurone cells.
- The breakdown products from aleurone enzyme activity provide essential nutrients to the embryo.
Review Questions
- What role does the aleurone layer play during seed germination?
- How do gibberellins affect the function of aleurone cells?
- What types of enzymes are produced by aleurone cells?
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Study guides (1)
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.
