What is the characteristic of perisperm compared to endosperm?

Perisperm is a unique type of tissue that serves a specific role in the development of seeds. One of its key characteristics is that it is a diploid tissue, which means it contains two sets of chromosomes. This distinguishes it from endosperm, which is typically triploid, containing one set of chromosomes from the male gamete and two sets from the female gamete.

The formation of perisperm occurs from maternal tissues, contributing to its diploid nature. It often acts as a food reserve for the developing embryo but is distinct in that it originates from the maternal plant rather than from the fertilization process like the endosperm. This maternal origin highlights its role in supporting the developing seed, but does not provide energy for germination in the same way endosperm does.

In contrast, endosperm primarily serves as the nutritional source for the growing embryo during germination and is triploid, which is another reason the diploid nature of perisperm is a distinguishing factor. The characteristic of perisperm being diploid is fundamental to understanding seed development and the roles different seed tissues play.