Levels of proline , glycinebetaine , potassium and magnesium in the germinating wheat seeds.

Abstract

Changes in levels of praline, glycinebetaine, potassium and magnesium in different tissues of germinating wheat seeds were studied. The tissues of the quiescent wheat grains contained proline, glycinebetaine and inorganic ions. During germination the proline levels increased many fold. The aleurone tissue and the embryo contained large quantities of glycinebetaine and glycinebetaine levels observed in the embryo/seedling arose mainly from the aleurone tissue during germination. The comparative contribution of glycinebetaine and proline to tissue osmotic potential is discussed.