The metabolism of aged seeds. The formation of polyribosomes in germinating field bean ( Vicia faba sp. minor) seeds of different ages

Abstract

Total dehydrogenase activity and formation of polyribosomes in embryonic axes and cotyledons of field bean seeds from different harvest years were studied. 3H-uridine incorporation experiments showed that seed ageing was accompanied by decreased capability for RNA synthesis and polyribosome formation. The embryonic axes of seeds with reduced vigor contained lower levels of polyribosomes.

Keywords

• RNA
• ribosomes
• ageing
• field beans
• seeds