Changes in Carbohydrate, Protein, and Non-Protein Nitrogenous Compounds of Developing Wheat Grain

Abstract

Analyses were carried out on the main morphological parts of grain of Triticum. vulgare and of T. durum during development from a 'few days after flowering to maturity. The low molecular weight constituents (non-protein nitrogenous com. pounds, sucrose, reducing sugars, and .x-keto acids) decreased in concentration but the amounts per grain remained relatively constant during development. However. the macromolecular materials (starch, pentosans, and protein) increased in concentration and in amount per grain. Metabolism of developing endosperm is discussed in relation to these observations.