What is "aleurone"

Aleurone \A*leu"rone\, n. [Gr. ? flour.] (Bot.) An albuminoid substance which occurs in minute grains (``protein granules'') in maturing seeds and tubers; -- supposed to be a modification of protoplasm.

n. (context protein English) The protein content of the embryo, endosperm, or perisperm of cereals, in the form of minute particles.

n. granular protein in outermost layer of endosperm of many seeds or cereal grains

Aleurone (from Greek aleuron, flour) is a protein found in protein granules of maturing seeds and tubers. The term also describes one of the two major cell types of the endosperm, the aleurone layer. The aleurone layer is the outermost layer of the endosperm, followed by the inner starchy endosperm. This layer of cells is sometimes referred to as the peripheral endosperm. It lies between the pericarp and the hyaline layer of the endosperm. Unlike the cells of the starchy endosperm, aleurone cells remain alive at maturity.