What is the Difference Between Embryo Sac and Endosperm?

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The main difference between an embryo sac and endosperm lies in their functions and location within the plant.

Embryo Sac:

  • Develops within the ovule of flowering plants.
  • Contains the egg cells and other structures involved in sexual reproduction.
  • Produces an egg cell for the purpose of fertilization.
  • Develops before fertilization.

Endosperm:

  • Develops within the seeds of flowering plants.
  • Provides nutrition in the form of starch, proteins, and lipids to the developing embryo.
  • Formed from the primary endosperm nucleus.
  • Develops after fertilization.

In summary, the embryo sac is a structure present in the ovule of flowering plants that contains the egg cells and is involved in sexual reproduction. In contrast, the endosperm is a structure present in the seeds of flowering plants that provides nutrition to the developing embryo and develops after fertilization.

Comparative Table: Embryo Sac vs Endosperm

Embryo sac and endosperm are two distinct structures found in the seeds of angiosperms, and they play crucial roles in the plant's reproductive process. Here is a table highlighting the differences between them:

Feature Embryo Sac Endosperm
Function Produces an egg cell for fertilization Provides nutrition to the developing embryo
Location Ovule within the flower Seed of the flower
Development Forms before fertilization Develops after fertilization
Structure Female gametophyte Triple-layered structure surrounding the embryo
Fertilization Union of the egg cell with a sperm Fusion of a sperm with the primary endosperm nucleus

In summary, the embryo sac is a female gametophyte structure that develops within the ovule and produces an egg cell for the purpose of fertilization. In contrast, the endosperm is a nutritive structure that forms after fertilization and provides nutrition to the developing embryo in the form of starch.