MATERIAL TRANSFORMATIONS IN THE PLANT 1 97 



The chemical processes of germination are different in different kinds of seeds. 

 Seeds may be grouped into three classes according to the substances that predominate 

 in them : starchy seeds, proteinaceous seeds, and fatty seeds. In starchy seeds (such as 

 the cereal grains) carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are lost during germination. Germinat- 

 ing proteinaceous seeds (such as those of the legumes) also give of carbon, hydrogen, 

 and oxygen, but they are specially characterized by the production of asparagin, amino 

 acids, and some sulphates. Fatty seeds (such as those of sunflower) do not lose oxygen 

 during germination ; the oxygen content actually increases. The original supply of fats 

 is depleted and carbohydrates appear, these being apparently formed by the oxidation 

 of the fats. Free fatty acids increase in amount. 



