Seeds are complex entities, within which the intricate processes of germination and early growth occur. We describe here a novel technique of our group in 2012 which is capable of simultaneous solution-, gel-, and solid-state analysis. CMP-NMR was applied to intact seeds where all components are studied and differentiated in situ. Characterization, germination and early growth of seeds were studied by variety of 1D and 2D 1H and 13C CMP-NMR experiments. Various metabolites, lipids, carbohydrate biopolymers and structural carbohydrates were first identified and further studied in germination and early growth stages. This research demonstrates the utility of CMP- NMR as a powerful tool to better understand the composition of seeds and processes underlying early seed growth.

Seeds are complex entities, within which the intricate processes of germination and early growth occur. We describe here a novel technique of our group in 2012 which is capable of simultaneous solution-, gel-, and solid-state analysis. CMP-NMR was applied to intact seeds where all components are studied and differentiated in situ. Characterization, germination and early growth of seeds were studied by variety of 1D and 2D 1H and 13C CMP-NMR experiments. Various metabolites, lipids, carbohydrate biopolymers and structural carbohydrates were first identified and further studied in germination and early growth stages. This research demonstrates the utility of CMP- NMR as a powerful tool to better understand the composition of seeds and processes underlying early seed growth.