We assayed the in vivo activity of the ureases of soybean (Glycine max) embryos by genetically eliminating the abundant embryo-specific urease, the ubiquitous urease, or a background urease. Mutant embryos accumulated urea (250-fold over progenitor) only when lacking all three ureases and only when developed on plants lacking the ubiquitous urease. Thus, embryo urea is generated in maternal tis...

An inhibitor of Ca(2+)-calmodulin (Cam)-dependent brain phosphodiesterase was present in the soluble fraction of embryo axes from ungerminated radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seeds. This inhibitor is a Ca(2+)-dependent, Cam-binding protein; in fact: (a) its effect was strongly reduced by treatment with proteases; (b) the inhibition was counteracted by Cam but not by Ca(2+); (c) on gel filtration i...

The process of nucleolar vacuolation has been quantitatively studied in root cells of the embryo of Zea mays. During germination, we have estimated the percentage of vacuolated nucleoli, the number of vacuoles per nucleolus and the volume density of the vacuoles, the latter by application of the stereological principles of morphometry. In the dormant embryo, no vacuoles can be detected in the n...

Abstract: Technologies based on electromagnetic radiation, such as the X-ray technique, has contributed to establishment of new and promising methodologies for evaluating seed quality. This study aimed relate parameters semi-automated analysis radiographs crambe seeds their physiological Radiographic images from 10 lots cultivar FMS Brilhante were semi-automatically analyzed using ImageJ® softw...

The occurrence of various species of Brassicaceae with indehiscent fruits in the cold deserts of NW China suggests that there are adaptive advantages of this trait. We hypothesized that the pericarp of the single-seeded silicles of Isatis violascens restricts embryo expansion and thus prevents germination for 1 or more years. Thus, our aim was to investigate the role of the pericarp in seed dor...

The efficacy of gene silencing by plant microRNAs (miRNAs) is generally assumed to be predominantly determined by their abundance. In Arabidopsis the highly abundant miRNA, miR159, acts as a molecular "switch" in vegetative tissues completely silencing the expression of two GAMYB-like genes, MYB33 and MYB65. Here, we show that miR159 has a diminished silencing efficacy in the seed. Using report...

Previous studies on the embryo structure of legumes species had resulted in division Fabaceae family into two great subfamilies based axis curvature. Research seed morphology and anatomy adds to knowledge taxonomy, evolution ecology. This study determined developmental anatomy, pod as well germination characteristics observed variants (T1 - small prickles; T2 medium T3 long prickles) Pterocarpu...

Lomandra species are an important understory component of many Australian native ecosystems, contributing to the floristic richness and stabilizing soils. However, a limited understanding their germination biology currently hinders efficient use in seed-based restoration ornamental plant production. The present study investigated longifolia L. hystrix diaspore morpho-anatomy evaluated different...

Carica papaya (papaya) seed germinate readily fresh from the fruit, but desiccation induces a dormant state. Dormancy can be released by exposure of the hydrated seed to a pulse of elevated temperature, typical of that encountered in its tropical habitat. Carica papaya is one of only a few species known to germinate in response to heat shock (HS) and we know little of the mechanisms that contro...