Plant membranes under dry conditions

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Abstract
In dry seeds membrane phospholipids adopt a quite, different orientation (the hexagonal phase) to that found in the membranes of cells in growing plants (the lamellar phase). As a seed imbibes water early in germination the phospholipids must change from the hexagonal to the lamellar configuration. Biophysical and biological data indicate that this change occurs as the water content reaches 20–30% of fresh weight. During the early phase of imbibition and before membrane integrity is fully established, solutes leak out of imbibing seeds, and it is suggested that this period could be used to advantage if it is wished to insert hormones, micronutrients or pesticides into seed cells.