THE 4-COMPARTMENT THERMODYNAMIC ENERGY-LEVEL DIAGRAM FOR ISOTHERMAL SEED-GERMINATION

1. The autocatalytic reaction rate equation describes the first 12 h of seed germination for red clover (Trifolium pratense). 2. The two best-fit parameters [A](0) and [F](0) for the integrated germination rate equation obey the Arrhenius equation. 3. The low-temperature inhibitor controls the reaction from 2.2 to 14.5 degrees C; the active state of the enzyme dominates the reaction from 20.2 to 28.0 degrees C; and the high-temperature inhibitor controls the reaction above 36.5 to 42.0 degrees C. 4. For several steps in the germination process the changes in enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy are calculated. 5. An energy-level diagram is proposed to describe the germination process from the initial substrate to the plant or denatured states.