The existence of discrete levels of critical water potential is suggestive of specific stresses that cells must accommodate during the acquisition of desiccation tolerance.
One could argue that the acquisition of desiccation tolerance is a transition that depends on other developmental programmes, such as embryogenesis and reserve deposition.
A number of protective mechanisms associated with seed desiccation tolerance have been identified through studies on acquisition and loss of desiccation tolerance in orthodox seeds.
It can tolerate high temperatures, desiccation, ultraviolet light and ionising radiation doses 1,000 times higher than would be fatal to humans.
This study was undertaken to determine whether extensive vacuolation and high metabolic activity can be contributory factors in desiccation sensitivity.
Desiccation tolerance across life forms interpreted as having nucleated from the surrounding, denser phase.
There are also some cracks to be seen: these represent just artifacts due to desiccation occurring during scanning microscopic investigation.
Additionally, in desiccation-sensitive seeds, protective antioxidant systems may also fail.
