The metabolism of aged seeds. The free and membrane-bound polyribosomes of germinating rye grains of different ages

Abstract

Grains of winter rye harvested in 1976, 1978, 1982 and 1984 were studied. Free and membrane-bound polyribosomes were isolated from embryos of imbibing and germinating grains. There was no correlation between grain viability and the amout of ribosomes. The highest incorporation of radioactive precursors (both total and specific radioactivity) was found in the RNA and ribosomal proteins from the grains with the highest viability - harvested in 1984. Lower radioactivity levels were observed in the 2 to 6 year old grains. There was no incorporation of radioactive precursors into ribosomal proteins in dead seeds.