Synopsis
The seed coats, cotyledons, and embryonic axes constituted 7.7%, 90.5%, and 1.8% of the dry bean matter, respectively. Significant differences were found in the chemical composition of seed tissues. The migration of water through hydrated seed coats was demonstrated. The starch content of cotyledons was 39.3%. Starch granules were imbedded in protein matrices of parenchyma cells. The parenchyma cells of cotyledons possessed thick secondary walls with numerous paired pits.