The triploid endosperm nucleus formed during double fertilisation develops into the triploid primary endosperm cell (PEC). The PEC undergoes repeated mitotic divisions, producing a multicellular triploid endosperm. This endosperm acts as the nutritive tissue for the developing embryo inside the seed.
In albuminous seeds, the endosperm is retained, and in monocots a reduced cotyledon called the scutellum is derived from it. In non-albuminous seeds, the multicellular triploid endosperm is almost completely used up or absorbed to help form fleshy cotyledons, as seen in most dicot seeds.
