Wetting of pea seeds in 2.5.10(-5) M solution of cadmium chloride or their treatment at early stages of germination increase the activity of alpha-amylase and proteolytic enzymes in the cotyledons and lead to the quicker decay of reserve starch and protein. A mechanism of the regulation of reserve substances decay in a cotyledon by the embryo and participation of cadmium ions in this process is discussed.