Effect of lead on protein dissolution and phosphate mobilization in germinating oat [Avena sativa (L.) cv. HJ-8] seeds

The objective of the present research was to study the impact of lead on the initial phase of life cycle of oat seeds. To achieve the objectives, a lab scale experiment was conducted and effect on protein mobilization during seed germination was quantified. In response to various concentrations of lead ranging from 25–400 ppm, the protease activity in endosperm and embryonic axis was suppressed by 34 and 29%, respectively while increased as the germination advances towards 12 days. The results on protein mobilization and/or utilization denoted a reduced hydrolysis of endospermic protein in the presence oflead. The pool of free amino acids in the endosperm depicted the inhibition of transport of aminoacids from endosperm to developing embryonic axis. A stimulatory effect on enzyme activities was recorded in the presence of 25 ppm concentration of lead while the effect was inhibitory at higher concentrations indicating the restrictions in the release of inorganic phosphorus from phoshoesters.