I9I2] Anton Richard Rose 41 



teins constitute from fifty to seventy-five per cent. of the aleuron 

 grain. It is doubtful whether they are simple proteins; more likely 

 they contain both phosphorus and bases in their molecules. Besides 

 protein, Posternak found carbohydrates which were not free, but 

 combined with some other substances of the grain; also ash, to the 

 extent of twenty-five to fifty per cent. The following analytic 

 data were recorded : 



Per Cent. Per Cent. 



Phosphorus O.11-3.83 Magnesium 0.28-1.27 



Sulphur 0.64-0.81 Calcium 0.11-0.37 



Silicon 0.01-0.36 Iron 0.03-0.09 



Potassium 2.29-2.71 Manganese Trace 



These results were obtained from aleuron grains of sunflower, 

 white lupin, hemp, and red fir. The author calls attention to the 

 interesting fact that all the elements essential to plant growth are 

 present in these bodies. These results are notable when com- 

 pared with Bernardini's analyses of rice embryo: P2O5, 0.95; SO3 

 (not given); SiOs, 0.25; K2O, 1.691; MgO, 1.389; CaO, 0.279; 

 FesOg, 0.06; Mn, trace; NagO, trace. One would like to know 

 whether the Silicon in these two substances is present in organic 

 combination. 



The globoid or "phytin" is a calcium-magnesium salt of 

 inosite-phosphoric acid. Phyto-phosphate is also combined in the 

 protein granules, possibly in the form of the potassium salt, as 

 Posternak believed, inasmuch as he could not separate the potassium 

 salt from the globulin, although it is soluble in alcohol and globulin 

 is not soluble in this liquor. He concluded that it is chemically 

 attached to the protein. In germination, the aleuron grains swell 

 up, forming a granulär viscid mass; both globoid and crystalloid 

 go into Solution, enzymatic action sets in, and both phytin and pro- 

 tein are hydrolyzed. 



The presence of an enzyme having the power to decompose phy- 

 tin into inosite and an inorganic phosphate was first demonstrated 

 by Suzuki and his associates in the bran of rice. It has also been 

 found by Vorbrodt in other small grain, including wheat, rye, and 

 barley ; likewise in larger seeds, as vetch and lentils. An extract of 

 the kemel of indian corn gave no evidence of the presence of a phy- 

 tase, but it was shown to develop during the germination of the 

 grain. 



