The four-compartment thermodynamic energy-level diagram for isothermal seed germination

Abstract

1. 1. The autocatalytic reaction rate equation describes the first 12h of seed germination for red clover ( Trifolium pratense). 2. 2. The two best-fit parameters [ A] 0 and [ F] 0 for the integrated germination rate equation obey the Arrhenius equation. 3. 3. The low-temperature inhibitor controls the reaction from 2.2 to 14.5°C; the active state of the enzyme dominates the reaction from 20.2 to 28.0°C; and the high-temperature inhibitor controls the reaction above 36.5 to 42.0°C. 4. 4. For several steps in the germination process the changes in enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy are calculated. 5. 5. An energy-level diagram is proposed to describe the germination process from the initial substrate to the plant or denatured states.