Aleurone is a term that is commonly used in the field of plant biology. It refers to a layer of cells that is found in the outermost part of a plant’s endosperm. This layer of cells is responsible for producing enzymes that are essential for the germination of seeds. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and associations of aleurone.
Definitions
Aleurone is defined as a layer of cells that is found in the outermost part of a plant’s endosperm. These cells are responsible for producing enzymes that are essential for the germination of seeds. The aleurone layer is rich in protein and other nutrients, which are used by the developing plant embryo during germination.
Origin
The word aleurone is derived from the Greek word aleuron, which means flour. The term was first used in the late 19th century by the German botanist Eduard Strasburger, who discovered the aleurone layer in plants.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, aleurone is defined as “a protein-rich layer of cells in the outer part of the endosperm of some seeds”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines aleurone as “the outer layer of the endosperm of a seed, containing protein and enzymes”.
Associations
Aleurone is closely associated with seed germination and the development of plant embryos. The enzymes produced by the aleurone layer break down the stored nutrients in the endosperm, providing the developing plant embryo with the energy it needs to grow.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of aleurone include endospermic cells, protein layer, and outer layer.
Antonyms
There are no specific antonyms for aleurone, as it is a unique term that refers to a specific layer of cells in plants.
The same root words
The root word of aleurone is aleuron, which means flour in Greek. Other words that share this root include aleuronic acid, which is a type of organic acid found in plants, and aleuroplast, which is a type of plastid found in plant cells.
Example Sentences
- The aleurone layer is responsible for producing enzymes that are essential for seed germination.
- The protein-rich aleurone layer is an important source of nutrients for developing plant embryos.
- The aleurone cells in the endosperm break down stored nutrients to provide energy for the growing plant.