Which part of the corn kernel is primarily responsible for storing starches?

The endosperm is the part of the corn kernel that plays a crucial role in storing starches. It is a tissue produced within the seed that provides the necessary energy for the developing plant. The endosperm contains a high concentration of carbohydrates, primarily in the form of starch, which serves as a reserve of energy and nutrients that the embryo utilizes during germination and early growth.

In terms of its structure, the endosperm surrounds the embryo and is a significant component of the overall kernel. This starch-rich tissue is essential not only for the growth of the young plant but is also significant in the human diet and animal feed, as corn is a major source of dietary starch.

The cotyledon is primarily involved in the initial stages of nutrient absorption and is not the main storage site for starches in corn kernels. The pericarp, which forms the outer layer of the kernel, serves to protect the seed but does not store starch. The embryo, although vital for the plant's future growth and development, contains the genetic material for the new plant and relies on the endosperm for energy during the early stages of development.

Thus, the primary responsibility for starch storage in a corn kernel rests with the endosperm, making it