The number of chromosomes in the endosperm is triploid (3n). The endosperm is formed during double fertilization in angiosperms. One sperm cell fertilizes the egg cell to form the zygote (diploid, 2n), and the other sperm cell fertilizes the central cell, which contains two polar nuclei, to form the endosperm (triploid, 3n). The triploid endosperm provides nourishment to the developing embryo.