Embryo and Endosperm development

In Plants Double fertilization takes place where one gametic nucleus fertilizes the egg cell,
generating a 2n diploid zygote and another gametic nucleus fertilizes polar cell to form 3n
triploid endosperm.

Embryo development
The formation and development of embryo which is progenitor of the next generation from
zygote is called Embryogenesis.

Zygote undergoes a complex series of morphological and cellular changes resulting in the
formation of embryo.

Plant embryogenesis begins with an asymmetric cell division, resulting in a

smaller apical cell and a larger basal cell. This first asymmetric division provides polarity to
the embryo. Most of the plant embryo develops from the apical cell. The suspensor develops
from the basal cell. The hypophysis is found at the interface between the suspensor and the
embryo proper. In many species it gives rise to some of the root cells. The suspensor anchors
the embryo to the endosperm and serves as a nutrient conduit for the developing embryo.

Further cell division leads to the globular stage. The three basic tissue systems (dermal,
ground, and vascular) can be recognized at this point based on characteristic cell division
patterns. The globular shape of the embryo is then lost as the cotyledons (embryonic leaves)
begin to form. The formation of two cotyledons in dicots gives the embryo a heart-shaped
appearance. In monocots, only a single cotyledon form.

Upright cotyledons can give the embryo a torpedo shape, and by this point the suspensor is
degenerating and the shoot apical meristem and root apical meristem are established. These
meristems will give rise to the adult structures of the plant upon germination. Further growth
of the cotyledons results in the torpedo stage. At this point, embryogenesis is arrested, and the
mature seed desiccates and remains dormant until germination.
Endosperm development
The fusion of gametic nucleus with the polar nuclei, known as triple fusion leads to the
formation of primary endosperm nucleus (PEN). The PEN divides repeatedly and it forms
polyploidy nutritive tissue called Endosperm. Its formation starts before the formation of
embryo.
On the basis of mode of development, endosperm can be of three types:

1. Nuclear Endosperm:

In this type, the PEN divides by free-nuclear divisions. They may or may not form a cell wall
towards later stages. With the cell divisions, the nuclei are pushed towards the periphery of the
sac giving rise to a large vacuole in the centre.
This type of endosperm is the most common type and is found in maize, wheat, areca nut and
coconut. The endosperm of the coconut gives rise to a large central vacuole that gets eventually
filled up with the nutritious coconut water.

2. Cellular Endosperm:

In this case, the primary endosperm nucleus divides and walls are formed between the
daughter nuclei. Thus, Endosperm divides into many segments. Later, these cells divide by
repeated divisions. It produces a tissue of irregularly arranged cells. Plants like Petunia and
Dhatura have this kind of endosperm.

3. Helobial Endosperm:

It is intermediate of other two types where first division of primary endosperm nucleus is
followed by a transverse wall and subsequent division do not lead to cell wall formation.
The transverse wall divides the embryo sac into a small chalazal chamber and a large
micropylar chamber. There are only few nuclear divisions in the chalazal chamber and later
on the endosperm in this chamber degenerates.