Abstract
SUMMARYDuring germination the lipids, triglycerides and starch stored in the cotyledons of the ground nut are mobilized. The time course of this degradation has been measured and the accumulation of mono‐ and diglycerides, free fatty acids, phospholipids, cholesterol and sucrose has been estimated during the first 8 days of development. During this time the lipase and amylase activities present in the seeds increased. The lipase appeared to be relatively unspecific. A feature of germination was the induction of isocitrate lyase activity which was not present in the seed before germination. The action of gibberellic acid, abscisic acid and ethylene on germination, mobilization of reserves and enzyme induction had been studied.Application of abscisic acid inhibited germination and also the increase in lipase activity. It also inhibited strongly the induction of isocitrate lyase, but it increased amylase activity and starch breakdown. The presence of the axis in the germinating seeds helps to restore normal metabolism when it is disturbed by the application of the exogenous growth substances.The results are discussed in relation to the balance between fat and carbohydrate metabolism of the germinating seed and the importance of isocitrate lyase as a control point connecting the two aspects of this metabolism.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
