The Effect of Embryo Axis, 6-benzylaminopurine and Kinetin on Protein Metabolism in Protein Bodies during Germination of Lentil Seeds

Abstract

Summary Excision of the embryonic axis reduces globulin degradation of lentil ( Lens culinaris , Medik. cv Castellana) by 36 %. Of the protease activities detected in the protein bodies of these seeds — only carboxypeptidase activity is significantly affected (negatively) by excision of the embryonic axis. Application of 6-benzylaminopurine or kinetin has opposite effects on globulin degradation according to whether it is performed during the germination of intact seeds (reduced degradation) or during the incubation of seeds whose embryonic axis has been excised (increased degradation). However, these cytokinins — increase the proteolytic levels of the protein bodies, both in the presence and the absence of the embryonic axis. Analysis of the endogenous cytokinins in cotyledons reveals their presence in ungerminated seeds together with a decrease in them after 168 hours of germination.