FFA Floriculture Practice Test

Which tissue in a seed provides stored food for the embryo?

1. Cotyledon

2. Endosperm

3. Seed coat

4. Parenchyma

The correct answer is: Endosperm

The endosperm is the tissue in a seed that provides stored food for the developing embryo. It is formed during fertilization and serves as a vital nutrient source during the early stages of seed germination. The endosperm typically contains carbohydrates, proteins, and other essential nutrients that support the growth of the embryo until it can establish itself and begin photosynthesis. The cotyledon, while also involved in nourishing the embryo, is the first leaf or leaves that sprout from the seed after germination. While it plays a role in food storage, particularly in dicotyledons, the primary food reserve that is initially utilized during germination comes from the endosperm. The seed coat is protective tissue that surrounds the seed and does not provide nourishment. It safeguards the embryo and the endosperm from physical damage and environmental conditions. Parenchyma tissue is a type of fundamental tissue found in plants, but it is not specific to seeds. It plays roles in storage, photosynthesis, and tissue repair, but it is not the primary food source for the embryo during germination. Understanding these aspects helps clarify the crucial role of the endosperm in ensuring that the embryo has the necessary resources to grow successfully after the seed has germinated.