Hydrogen Metabolism in Higher Plants

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Abstract
H2-producing bacteria have been found in the seeds of 24 species of higher plant. Young seedlings of 6 species and excised embryos from 2 species of higher plant were found to evolve H2 in the complete absence of bacteria. Winter rye seeds in H2 germinate more rapidly than in argon, and are inhibited by small quantities of O2. Those in A are stimulated by small amounts of O2. Seeds germinating in H2, A, and air differ metabolically from each other, as shown by the varying responses to KCN, NaN3, dinitrophenol, and potassium fluoride. These results are proposed as evidence for the existence of hydrogenase in the seeds of some higher plants.