Metabolism of Germinating Moong Seeds Under Saline-Alkaline Conditions Due to Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Bicarbonate

Effect of iso-osmotic concentrations of Na₃ CO₃ and NaHCO₃ (2, 4 and 6 mmhos/cm) was studied on some metabolities in moong (Phaseolus aureus Roxb. cv. Varsha) during germinaton in Petridishes. Hydrolysis of RNA. DNA, and proteins was retarded in the cotyledons and their translocation to the growing embryo-axis was impaired by increasing concentrations of salts. Embryo-axis contained very low amounts of nucleic acids, proteins and free aminoacids due to lesser supply from the cotyledons as well as due to decreased synthesis of these macromolecules under saline-alkaline conditions. NaHCO₃ was more depressive than Na₃CO₃ in this respect.