Effects of Ultradry Storage on Fluidity of Plasma Membrane of Seed

The effects of ultradry seed storage on the fluidity of plasma membrane have been investigated using the DPH fluorescent probe (1, 6-diphenyi-l, 3, 5,-hexatriene). The results demonstrated that the micro-viscosity of plasma membrane of ultradried seeds has no significant changes compared with the seeds which were stored under -20°C condition. However, there is a little adverse effect on the seeds with extreme dehydration. The results were consistent with higher vigor level of ultradried seed. It indicated that ultradry seed storage could maintain the physiological function of seed, protect the integrity of the membrane and improve the storability of seed. Furthermore, the results also revealed that sugar has the effect on protecting membrane structure and preserving the fluidrty of the plasma membrane under seed dehydration. In the meantime, some mechanism about ultradry seed storage and the tolerance of dehydration of seed have been discussed.