Episperm (Noun)
Meaning
Protective outer layer of seeds of flowering plants.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The episperm is the outermost layer that protects the seed of a flowering plant, acting as a shield against pathogens and environmental stress.
- This outer layer of a seed, known as the episperm, covers the seed coat and plays a crucial role in water and gas exchange during seed germination.
- In many flowering plants, the episperm forms an impermeable layer that delays seed germination, allowing the seedling to emerge under optimal environmental conditions.
- During seed development, the episperm thickens and hardens to form a protective barrier around the seed's delicate internal tissues.
- The episperm is often covered with a waxy coating and other adaptations that protect the seed from water loss and extreme temperatures.