Changes in Levels of α-Amylase Components in Barley Tissues during Germination and Early Seedling Growth

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Abstract
Kernels of Klages barley (H. vulgare L.) were germinated for 1-4 days on moist sand at 18.degree. C. Representative kernels from each time period were dissected to give the following fractions: scutellum, subscutellar endosperm, aleurone-scutellum interface, remaining aleurone, subaleurone endosperm and core endosperm. These tissues were analyzed for .alpha.-amylase components by isoelectric focusing and rocket-line immunnoelectrophoresis. Although aleurone and scutellar tissues appeared to synthesize the same .alpha.-amylase components, enzyme was detected 1st in the scutellum. A larger proportion of scutellar .alpha.-amylase was excreted into the endosperm compared to aleurone synthesized .alpha.-amylase. Aleurone cells appeared to synthesize appreciably more .alpha.-amylase than did scutellar tissue.