Control of the activity of the aleurone layer of Fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

A method is described whereby the dissolution of the endosperm of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. can be studied in isolation from the embryo, with the only living tissue present in the endosperm fragments being the aleurone layer. The process of dissolution, when followed for 48 hours, was inhibited by abscisic acid, dinitrophenol, cycloheximide, azetidine-carboxylic acid, 6-methylpurine and actinomycin D, but not by 5-fluorouraciI. The process of dissolution was stimulated by ethylene and carbon dioxide but not by gibberellic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or kinetin. It is suggested that the dissolution of the endosperm is mediated by synthesis of protein and of RNA, and that these syntheses may be controlled by a balance of natural inhibitors such as abscisic acid, and natural stimulators such as ethylene or carbon dioxide.