“…In dicots, the suspensor and the endosperm are both short-lived structures that degenerate once they have accomplished their function of nourishing the developing embryo proper. It has been suggested that in species with massive suspensors, such as SRB and common bean, the suspensor takes over endosperm functions, resulting in delayed endosperm cellularization and a decreased amount of endosperm ( Tison, 1919 ; Schnarf, 1929 ; Newman, 1934 ; Lorenzi et al, 1978 ; Guignard, 1880 ). Although there are specific examples that do not support this hypothesis in all plants ( Lersten, 1983 ), it may apply in some cases.…”