The endosperm of the corn kernel is the most important storage area for carbohydrates and proteins synthesized by this photosynthetically efficient species. In common types of corn, the endosperm comprises about 84% of the kernel dry weight, the embryo comprises 10%, and the pericarp and scutellum make up the remaining 6%.
▶ Although grain production is the main reason for growing corn, all parts of the plant - leaves, stalks, panicles and ears - are used for various purposes, corn is used in more different ways than any other cereal; the main ways in which it is used is as human food, either domestic or industrial.
It is also used as animal feed and fermented for various industrial products. and the composition of the different components of the corn grain in terms of protein. The nutritional composition of corn, wheat and rice are found in The corn compares favorably in nutritional value with respect to rice and wheat; it is richer in fat, iron and fiber content.
But its poorest nutritional aspect is protein. About half of the protein in corn is composed of zein, which has a low content of essential amino acids, especially lysine and tryptophan; this deficiency has disappeared in quality protein corn, which is the cereal with the highest nutritional value.
The endosperm is mostly composed of starch with some proteins and traces of oils. Most of the oils are contained in the germ, which also has a high protein content. Most of the sugars are stored in the germ.
