Differentiation of a Functional Aleurone Layer Within the Seed Coat of Sinapis alba L.

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Abstract
The hitherto unresolved ontogenetic origin of the aleurone layer in mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seeds was investigated with light and electron microscopy. Contrary to previous views, this layer of storage cells is neither derived from the endosperm nor from the nucellus, but from a particular cell layer within the inner integument of the seed coat. These cells differentiate and become filled with storage protein and fat concurrently with the maturation of the embryo. They survive seed desiccation and become depleted of storage materials during seed germination. Temporally correlated with the germinating embryo, the aleurone cells produce microbody enzymes, which are controlled by light in a similar fashion in both tissues.