I30 BOTANY OF THE LIVING PLANT 



lh , tic will proceed chiefly from left to right. As the concentra- 

 tion of B increases the right to left action commences and finally 

 a itate oi equilibrium la reached. If, however, B is removed as fast 

 M it is formed, or if if is converted into an insoluble and chemically 

 inactive Bubstance, the left to right action will continue to predominate. 

 fhe period oi germination of seeds or of renewal of growth of other 

 resting organs is one characterised by intense enzyme activity. The 

 reserve substances (starch, protein, fats, reserve-cellulose, etc.) of 



B 





Jill 





Fig. 85. 



A-F, Leucoplasts from tuber of Phajus, showing various stages of development 

 of ttarcb grains. 1 -4. Various stages of the corrosion of starch-grains in germinating 

 Barley. (After Strasburger.) 



the resting organ are mostly insoluble and indiffusible. Before being 

 transferred from the region of storage to the growing points, they 

 are converted into soluble diffusible forms. This mobilisation of 

 reserves is promoted by appropriate enzymes, each acting in a down- 

 grade fashion as indicated in the above list. Fig. 85, 1-4, illustrates 

 the process of solution of starch grains under the influence of diastase 

 during germination of barley. 



Translocation and Storage. 



The division of labour between the different organs of the higher 

 plant requires that there shall be a constant movement of metabolic 

 materials from point to point within the plant, to which the term 

 Translocation is applied. The chief directions of translocation are : 

 (a) from the leaves to actively growing parts, (b) from the leaves to 

 Murage organs, and (c) from regions of storage to actively growing 



