suspensor

In plant anatomy, a suspensor is a structure that plays a crucial role in the early development of a seed plant's embryo. It is typically a group or chain of cells that originates from the zygote. The primary function of the suspensor is to push the developing embryo into the nutrient-rich tissues, such as the endosperm or gametophyte, which provide nourishment for its growth. In some cases, like in Selaginella and pines, the suspensor elongates to deeply embed the embryo within the gametophyte. In Capsella bursa-pastoris, the suspensor forms a filament of cells, with the end cell developing into an absorbing organ. As the embryo matures, the cells of the suspensor typically degenerate.123