The majority of plant seeds possess the special ability to almost completely dry out and yet remain viable. While most living cells die with a 90 percent loss of water, the cells in seeds enter a biological state of dormancy. With a moisture content of less than ten percent – similar to a raisin compared to a grape – they become small time capsules and can lie dormant for decades until they are “awakened” by favourable environmental conditions. Then they must not miss the right time to germinate. For this, the “powerhouses of cells” necessary for energy supply, the mitochondria, must resume their work as quickly as possible. How this is achieved is not yet known in detail. A new study, led by a research team from the Universities of Münster, Hanover and Halle (Germany), has now shown, using the example of thale cress ( Arabidopsis thaliana ), that the mitochondria are “on standby” in dry plant seeds. Their complex internal structure with an outer and an inner membrane as well as numerous infoldings of the inner membrane is already fully developed and not just present in an incomplete preliminary stage, as previous studies had suggested.
The structural and functional maturity of the mitochondria is the basis for them being able to function quickly – within a few minutes – and start the so-called cellular respiration. In doing so, the seedling uses part of its reserves of carbohydrates, proteins and fats to generate the energy needed for growth. As the study shows, the seed mitochondria already contain the complete inventory of proteins that the seedling needs for cellular respiration. This allows the plant embryo to supply itself with energy from the very first moment of germination.
The consortium of experts in plant mitochondria also examined the onset of cellular respiration in further plant species, including rapeseed, millet, and tomato. The observations suggest that the rapid activation of mature mitochondria, triggered by the first water uptake by the seed, is widespread in flowering plants with dry (“orthodox”) seeds. This property has obviously proven valuable and is evolutionarily conserved.
"We have identified various proteins that contribute to the mitochondria surviving the dry phase until germination unharmed," states Professor Iris Finkemeier from the Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Münster. "If it is possible in future studies to understand their interaction in detail, new ways will open up to make seeds of crop plants germinable for longer and more resistant to unfavourable storage conditions."
The team used a range of modern analytical and molecular genetic methods, including high-resolution microscopic techniques as well as mass spectrometry and other methods for protein analysis (proteomics).
Current Biology
Experimental study
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Seed mitochondria are equipped with cristae and a full proteome to kickstart germination
13-Aug-2026