The amount of total lipids and the distribution of free fatty acids (FA) and lipoxygenase activity (LOX) were determined during poppy seedling development. The amount of total lipids changed only marginally in whole poppy seedling. In lipid fractions linoleic acid was present in highest proportion. The content of saturated FA was significantly lower as that of unsaturated FA. Developmental profiles of individual FA and their distribution in individual organs of poppy seedling suggest that a certain part of FA undergoes redistribution between endosperm and cotyledons and other organs of developing poppy seedling. LOX activity was the highest in poppy seedling on day 4 post-imbibition and this activity was mainly located in cotyledons. The best substrate for LOX from poppy seedling was found to be linoleic acid. From antioxidants tested, the inhibition by rutin was the highest.