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The glassy state in seeds: analysis and function

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2008

A. Carl Leopold ,
Wendell Q. Sun  and
Irma Bernal-Lugo
A. Carl Leopold*
Affiliation:
Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA, and Department de Bioquimica, UNAM, Mexico
Wendell Q. Sun
Affiliation:
Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA, and Department de Bioquimica, UNAM, Mexico
Irma Bernal-Lugo
Affiliation:
Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA, and Department de Bioquimica, UNAM, Mexico
*
* Correspondence
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Abstract

In view of the finding that dry seeds may exist in the glassy state, a brief review of the commonest methods of detection and quantification of the glass transition is presented. While the glassy state may contribute to seed tolerance of desiccation, it does not appear to account for desiccation tolerance. Its major function in dry seeds may be its contribution to the stability of the seed components during storage.

Keywords

accelerated agingdesiccation toleranceglass transitionseed deterioration
Type
Review Article
Information
Seed Science Research , Volume 4 , Issue 3 , September 1994 , pp. 267 - 274
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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