Two nuclei located in the central cell of the embryo sac in flowering plants that fuse with one sperm nucleus during double fertilization to form the triploid endosperm. They provide the genetic foundation for the nutrient-rich tissue that nourishes the developing embryo.
From Latin 'polaris' meaning 'of the pole' referring to their position at opposite ends of the central cell, and 'nucleus' from Latin meaning 'kernel' or 'core'. The term reflects their polar positioning within the embryo sac before they migrate to fuse.
These nuclei are the reason your morning cereal exists! They're responsible for creating endosperm - the starchy, protein-rich part of seeds that becomes flour, rice, corn, and virtually every grain we eat. Without polar nuclei, there would be no bread, pasta, or breakfast cereals.
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