The Endosperm of a Plant ____

Question

The endosperm of a plant ____.  
A) is the food supply for the new sporophyte plant
B) is composed of haploid tissue
C) protects the young embryo within a seed
D) provides a connection between the ovary of a flower and a developing seed
E) produces sperm cells

Accepted Answer

The endosperm is a tissue that is formed inside the seed of a flowering plant and serves as a source of nutrients for the developing embryo. It is typically triploid, meaning it has three sets of chromosomes, and is produced when one sperm cell from the pollen fuses with the two polar nuclei in the ovule. This gives rise to a nutritive tissue that is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, and that is ultimately consumed by the growing embryo to fuel its growth and development. Thus, option A is the correct choice.