“…While the processes and genes regulating embryogenesis and maturation are being identified (Errampalli et al, 1991;Girke et al, 2000;BrocardGifford et al, 2003;Gallardo et al, 2003;Tzafrir et al, 2003), only very recent studies addressed the question of the exact requirements for germination, particularly in terms of de novo RNA and protein syntheses (Bradford et al, 2000;Bove et al, 2001;Gallardo et al, 2001Gallardo et al, , 2002aKoornneef et al, 2002;Potokina et al, 2002;van der Geest, 2002;Duque and Chua, 2003;Jabrin et al, 2003;Ogawa et al, 2003). Although it is widely documented that, in addition to the storage proteins, mature dry seeds accumulate during maturation a number of proteins that are involved in various cellular processes such as DNA replication and transcription, translation, metabolism, or defense mechanisms (e.g.…”