ACTIVATION OF PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN THE IMBIBITION PHASE OF SEED GERMINATION

Abstract

Preparations from the cotyledon of unimbibed peanut seed showed a low level of amino-acid incorporation into protein. Similar preparations after imbibition are greatly increased in activity. Evidence presented suggests that the soluble enzymes required for protein synthesis were active prior to imbibition, but that microsomal activity required imbibition. Experiments with polyuridylic acid indicate that during imbibition an active messenger RNA was formed. Additional studies with peanut and wheat embryos suggest that the activation or formation of messenger RNA during imbibition may be a general phenomenon in seed germination.