Synthesis of Starch in Detached Ears of Wheat

Abstract

Detached ears of wheat were provided with water or solutions of sucrose and the effects of light and temperature on the synthesis of starch in the grain were investigated. During 24 hr similar amounts of starch are produced in ears cultured on water or sucrose. Thereafter no further synthesis takes place on water, but with solutions of sucrose synthesis continues at a steady rate for several days. Variation in light intensity has no effect on the synthesis of starch in ears supplied with suc· rose. In ears cultured on water or sucrose more starch is made at 30 than at 15· 5°C.