Aleurone

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Aleurone (from Greek aleuron, flour) is a protein found in the endosperm of many seeds. It forms the outermost layer of the seed coat in some grains. During seed germination, hydrolysis in the seed causes the aleurone cells to break down into amino acids. Once triggered by hormones released from the embryo the aleurone synthesises enzymes in order to break down the starchy endosperm supplying sugars to drive the growth of roots and the acrospire.

Aleurones can have two different morphological features, Homogenous and Heterogenous. The homogenous aleurone is consisted of similar protein bodies (e.g. Phaseolus vulgaris) while the heterogenous aleurone is consisted from different shape and type of proteins covered with a membrane (e.g. Ricinus communis).