THE 4-COMPARTMENT THERMODYNAMIC ENERGY-LEVEL DIAGRAM FOR ISOTHERMAL SEED-GERMINATION

1. The autocatalytic reaction rate equation describes the first 12 h o f seed germination for red clover (Trifolium pratense). 2. The two bes t-fit parameters [A](0) and [F](0) for the integrated germination rate equation obey the Arrhenius equation. 3. The low-temperature inhibito r controls the reaction from 2.2 to 14.5 degrees C; the active state o f the enzyme dominates the reaction from 20.2 to 28.0 degrees C; and t he high-temperature inhibitor controls the reaction above 36.5 to 42.0 degrees C. 4. For several steps in the germination process the change s in enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy are calculated. 5. An en ergy-level diagram is proposed to describe the germination process fro m the initial substrate to the plant or denatured states.