The Physiology of Growth in Apple Fruits VI. the Control of Respiration Rate and Synthesis

Abstract

Experiments are described which test the hypothesis that the rate of respiration is controlled by the phosphate carrier system in apple tissue. The eff~cts of 2,4-dinitrophenol and adenosine triphosphate on the respiration of cut tissue are consistent with the hypothesis that a more rapid utilization of energy-riCh phosphate at a critical stage could result in the climacteric rise. The interrelations of starch, organic acid and nitrogen metabolism, and respiration are discussed. An increase in the activity of extracted respiratory enzymes at the time of the climacteric rise has been demonstrated.