[Changes in respiratory metabolism of rice seeds of varying viability].

Respiratory metabolism in germs of rice seeds of varying germinative power was measured manometrically with the aid of inhibitors. Swelling of caryopses of high germinative power was accompanied by activation of the system glycolysis--Krebs cycle--respiratory chain and increase in the level of oxidation--phosphorylation coupling. Seed aging was associated with an enhancement of the phosphate respiratory pathway and a decrease in the rate of glycolysis during swelling and germination. Sensitivity to inhibitors of the mitochondrial electron transport chain was increased and oxidation--phosphorylation coupling decreased. In non-viable germs oxidation and phosphorylation were completely uncoupled.