Description
Seed Physiology, Volume 2, Germination and Reserve Mobilization, addresses some of the major unanswered questions about seed dormancy, germination, and post-germination development of the seedling. The book contains seven chapters and begins with two studies on dormancy—one on the structural constraints to germination and another on metabolic barriers preventing germination. These are followed by separate chapters on the physical and biochemical events following the imbibition of water by dry seeds; the mobilization of polysaccharide reserves from endosperm; the mobilization of nitrogen and phosphorus from external storage tissues; and the mobilization of lipid reserves in seed tissues. The final chapter reviews the subject of embryonic axis-cotyledon interaction, considering mainly those species where the cotyledons are adapted for the storage of reserves. Both this volume and its companion (Seed Physiology Volume 1. Development) will provide a valuable resource for advanced students, teachers, and researchers in plant physiology, biochemistry, agronomy, and related disciplines.
Table of Contents
List of ContributorsPrefaceContents of Volume 11. Structural Aspects of Dormancy I. Introduction II. The Concept of Dormancy III. Dormancy, Seed Viability and Longevity IV. Structural Factors Influencing Coat-Imposed Dormancy V. Mechanical Strength of the Seed Coat VI. Treatment to Break Dormancy VII. Concluding Remarks References2. Metabolic Aspects of Dormancy I. Introduction II. Gene Repression III. Hormonal Changes IV. Phytochrome Control of Metabolism V. Respiration VI. Mobilization of Reserves VII. Conclusion References3. Early Events in Germination I. Introduction II. The Phase of Imbibition III. Metabolism IV. Concluding Discussion References4. Mobilization of Polysaccharide Reserves from Endosperm I. Introduction II. Starch Hydrolysis in Cereal Endosperm III. Cell Wall Mobilization IV. Future Prospects References5. Mobilization of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from Endosperm I. Introduction II. Mobilization of Nitrogen III. Mobilization of Phosphorus IV. Conceptual Model of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Mobilization References6. Mobilization of Oil and Wax Reserves I. Introduction II. Oil and Wax Composition of Mature Seeds III. Developmental Patterns of Glyoxysomes and Their Enzymes IV. Lipolysis of Triacylglycerols V. Lipolysis of Wax Esters VI. ß-Oxidation of Fatty Acids VII. Metabolism of Acetyl Coenzyme A VIII. Control of Lipid Mobilization IX. Summary and Perspectives References7. Axis-Cotyledon Relationships during Reserve Mobilization I. The Influence of Cotyledons on Axis Development II. Regulation of Reserve Mobilization from Cotyledons by the Axis III. Conclusions ReferencesPlant Species IndexSubject Index
