What is the Difference Between Endosperm and Perisperm?

Endosperm and perisperm are both food-storing tissues found in seeds of higher plants. They store food in the form of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which are utilized during the development of the embryo as the seed germinates. However, there are key differences between the two:

Endosperm:

• Triploid cells, resulting from triple fusion.
• Forms due to the repeated cell division by mitosis, capable of food storage.
• Surrounds the embryo.
• Absorbs nutrition and transforms it into the embryo.
• Usually soft in nature.
• Found in the majority of flowering plants.

Perisperm:

• Diploid cells, originating from the nucleus.
• Found only in some families, such as Caryophyllaceae, Amaranthaceae, Portulacaceae, Zingiberaceae.
• Emerges from the nucleus and surrounds the embryo.
• The endosperm of the seed absorbs nutrients from the perisperm.
• Usually dry in nature.
• Less common than endosperm, found only in some species.

In summary, the main difference between endosperm and perisperm lies in their origins (endosperm from triple fusion and perisperm from the nucleus) and chromosomal makeup (triploid endosperm and diploid perisperm).

Comparative Table: Endosperm vs Perisperm

Here is a table comparing the differences between endosperm and perisperm:

Perisperm is a food-storing nutritive tissue that emerges from the nucleus and is diploid in nature. On the other hand, endosperm is a triploid tissue that develops from the primary endosperm nucleus and serves as a food reserve for the embryo. The main difference between perisperm and endosperm is their chromosomal makeup and origins.