PROTEIN DEGRADATION AND PROTEOLYTIC ACTIVITY IN COTYLEDONS OF GERMINATING PEA SEEDS (PISUM SATIVUM)

A study has been made of the redistribution of nitrogenous compounds during the germination of peas. The rapid translocation of nitrogen from the reserve proteins in the cotyledons to the growing axis appears to involve the degradation of proteins to amino acids. Studies have been made of enzymes capable of effecting such hydrolyses and four enzymes with proteolytic activity have been demonstrated. The characteristics of these enzymes are described and their possible physiological role discussed. © 1970.