The formation of polyribosomes during the germination of grains of wheat of different ripeness

Abstract

The total ribosomal fraction was isolated from whole seedlings from grains of wheat gathered at the milk-, milk-wax and full-ripeness stages. A gradual increase in the amount of the total ribosomal fraction was observed during germination until the 6th day in all of the studied groups. From the 6th to 12th days of germination a decrease in this, fraction was found. In all of these groups polysomes constituted 88-90% of the total ribosomal fraction after 48 hrs of germination. From the 2nd to the 12th day, polysomes made up a decreasing percentage of the total ribosomal fraction. The percentage of polysomes contained in this fraction at the begining (0-24 h) as well as at the end (10-12th day) of the studied period of germination of immature grains was lower than in mature ones, which is synonymous with a lower level of protein synthesis in their tissues. When the results were calculated per seedling, it was shown that the less mature the grain, the lower the total ribosome content. These results show that grains gathered at full ripeness are the most vigorous.