THE CONVERSION OF FAT TO CARBOHYDRATE IN THE GERMINATING CASTOR BEAN : II. THE COMBUSTION RESPIRATORY QUOTIENT AS DETERMINED BY A MODIFIED OXYCALORIMETER.

The combustion respiratory quotients of castor beans germinated to various stages, depending upon the length of the hypocotyl, were determined by means of a modified oxycalorimeter. After germination was well started, the respiratory quotient of the combusted germinated seed increased as the stage of germination increased, indicating a change from an oxygen-poor to an oxygen-rich substance, probably fat to sugar. The accuracy of the method was checked by organic combustions. The seat of formation of the oxygen-rich substance is in the endosperm.