Abstract
The state of cellular membranes is strictly dependent on grain ripeness. The electroconductivity of cell exudates is greatest in milk-ripe grain, lower during wax ripeness and smallest in fully-ripe grain. This decrease in conductivity of the cell exudates as the grain matures is accompanied by a increase in the levels of phospholipids in the embryonic mitochondria. The permeability of the cell membranes is also considerably affected by the method of grain harvesting.