Changes in the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates during germination of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds

The levels of lipids, carbohydrates and enzymes concerned with their breakdown were determined in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds during an 8-days period of germination. Alkaline lipase and isocitrate lyase activities were at peak level when the lipid mobilization was highest. The content of total soluble carbohydrates, reducing and nonreducing sugars, increased during the initial 5-days period of germination followed by a reverse trend thereafter. An increase in α-amylase coincided with an increase in the content of reducing sugars in the cotyledons. Studies related to the distribution of enzymes in different organelles revealed that alkaline lipase and isocitrate lyase were restricted to the glyoxysomes. The development profiles of alkaline lipase and isocitrate lyase were followed in the sesame seedlings exposed to the inhibitors of protein synthesis. A substantial fall in enzyme activities was observed in the seedlings exposed to the inhibitors.