elaiosome

English - English

Definition of elaiosome in English English dictionary

fleshy structure rich in lipids attached to the seeds of many plant species

(Biyoloji) Elaiosomes (Greek élaion "oil" and sóma "body") are fleshy structures that are attached to the seeds of many plant species. The elaiosome is rich in lipids and proteins, and may be variously shaped. Many plants have elaiosomes to attract ants, which take the seed to their nest and feed the elaiosome to their larvae

Etymology

() Ancient Greek ἔλαιον (élaion, “olive oil”) + σόμα (sóma, “body”).