Galactosidases in cultivated and wild peas

The level of α- and β-galactosidase was followed in the cotyledons and embryos of germinating seeds of Pisum sativum and P. elatius. α-Galactosidase is preformed in the cotyledons but its activity increases during germination in the embryos. β-Galactosidase activity in embryos increases during germination but shows little change in cotyledons. The possible function of α- and β-galactosidase is discussed.