Imbibition and Germination: Influence of Hard Seed Coats on RNA Metabolism

RNA metabolism of Indian rice grass seeds was studied in relation to imbibition and germination. These seeds germinate only after scarification of the seed coats. The hard seed coats restrict germination but not water intake or changes in the quantity and quality of RNA formed during early hours of soaking. These changes differ markedly from those in scarified (H2SO4 treated) seeds which are able to germinate. Gibberellic acid hastens germination of scarified seeds and causes changes in the population of RNA transcribed.