Imaging local chemical microstructure of germinated wheat with synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy

The biological process of germination in wheat is accompanied by localized chemical distribution of lipid and protein, particularly within the germ area of the kernel. As the embryo develops, it draws sustenance from the scutellum and to some degree from the endosperm throughout the kernel. This study was focused on the embryo/scutellum material balance. Miniature biochemical factories are in operation inside the kernel, consuming surronding raw material while production new life. Infrared (IR) microspectroscopy and imaging enables a localized chemical inventory, upon germination, to study the process. Frozen sections of germinated wheat thaw mounted onto BaF2 windows were mapped to produce functional group images for comparison with corresponding sections of ungerminated kernels. Relative functional group populations in the scutellum and embryonic axis were assessed before and after germination. A focal plane array Fourier transform (FT)-IR microspectrometer was used to obtain 48,000 spectra from scutella in situ to provide quantitative functional group comparison.