aleurone
1
9.9
A protein-rich layer under the outer skin of a grain seed that releases chemicals to help the seed grow
- noun
- /əˈlɪrən/
- Specialized
:
aleurona
- Second, rice is polished in order to remove the fats that turn rice rancid, and what little carotenoids there are exist in the aleurone and embryo, not in the endosperm. However, maize can be left whole with little rancidity problems.
Examples
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"This whole process scarified the kernel and removed some of the aleurone layer, the black seed coat that is impervious to water," says Oelke.
Academic text (1998) -
The aleurone layer of the seed plays a crucial role in providing nutrients during germination.
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In cereal grains, the aleurone acts as a source of enzymes that help in seed metabolism.
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The presence of an intact aleurone can enhance the nutritional value of whole grains.
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word aleurone comes from the Greek word aleuron, which means 'flour'. It was named because the layer looks like tiny grains of flour, so aleurone refers to the flour-like protein layer in seeds that helps them grow.