Changes in the Content of Starch and Activities of some Enzymes of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Cotyledons of Germinating Seeds of<i>Voandzeia subterranea</i>

Abstract

During the germination of the seeds of Voandzeia subterranea L. Thouars, the content of starch in the cotyledons fell progressively. There was a substantial increase in amylase activity during the first 4 d. The activity of starch phosphorylase increased after 6 d when there was a rapid decline in amylase activity. The activities of hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase increased, suggesting the presence of an active phosphogluconate pathway in the cotyledons.