Effects of cold stratification on protein synthesis and the profile of synthesized proteins were studied in the seeds of Acer tataricum L. during their release from deep dormancy. During cold stratification, protein synthesis in embryos was enhanced, and a specific polypeptide pattern was demonstrated by a two-dimensional electrophoresis of embryo proteins. Stratified cotyledons synthesized proteins H (pI 4.9, 80 kD) and L (pI 5.5-6.0, 40 kD), whereas embryonic axes synthesized protein D (pI 6.5, 45 kD). Their synthesis was repressed under dormancy conditions. We believe that these proteins are involved in the release of the seed from dormancy.