Glucose Metabolism and Retention of Glucose Metabolites in the Wheat Embryo during Early Germination.

There is a lag period in the growth of excised wheat (Triticum vulgare Host.) embryos extending from 0.5 hour to 4.5 hours of their imbibition in water. During this time there is a sharp increase in the embryos' capability to retain several amino and organic acids, to synthesize cell wall components and starch, and to take up glucose. Their capability to metabolize glucose also increases by 30%. Elevation of the ATP content of 1-hour embryos by incubation in 3 mm adenosine is not sufficient to bring about these changes. These changes may be a part of a metabolic adjustment in the embryos which increases their growth potential.