Metabolic Changes Associated with the Germination of Corn. I. Changes in Weight and Metabolites and their Redistribution in the Embryo Axis, Scutellum, and Endosperm

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Abstract
Changes in protein, amino and total nitrogen, nucleic acids, soluble nucleotides, carbohydrates, fat, dry weight and water were determined in the embryo axis, scutellum, and endosperm at daily intervals during a 5-day germination period of corn seeds (Zea mays variety WF9 X M14). Many changes in these chemical components were observed before any growth of the embryo axis occurred, indicating that these changes were associated with processes responsible for the resumption of growth. The growth of the axis was largely at the expense of the reserves of the endosperm. Extensive loss of protein and insoluble carbohydrates from the endosperm occurred over the 5-day period. Although the growth of the axis may have been partially maintained by the fat supply of the scutellum, there was also a concurrent utilization of carbohydrates as indicated by the changes in sugar constituents and dry weight. The fat content of the scutellum decreased after the 2nd day with a concurrent increase in soluble carbohydrates and soluble nitrogenous components, although the scutellum dry weight remained relatively constant, throughout the experimental period.
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