The Control of Lipid Mobilization inCucumisCotyledons

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Abstract
An investigation has been carried out into the role of the axis and testa in the control of lipid mobilization during the germination of cucumber seedlings. A very close correlation is observed between axis growth and lipid depletion. It is suggested that this depends upon the rate at which the axis can remove the major product, sucrose, and not upon a hormonal mode of control as has been previously suggested. Excised testaleas cotyledons show considerable lipid breakdown and can develop maximum levels of isocitrate lyase and β-oxidation enzymes even though the axis is not present. The presence of the testa inhibits their development however. A novel indirect control mechanism involving the automatic removal of the testa (a phenomenon common amongst most members of the Cucurbitaceae) is suggested.