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Temperature Coefficient (Q10), Seed Germination and Other Biological Processes

Abstract

A COMMON method of comparing rates of reactions or processes in biological systems is the use of the temperature coefficient, or Q10, the ratio of the rates of a reaction or process at (T+10)° C and T° C. James1 says of the Q10: “As it is readily calculated, easily understood, and carries no theoretical implications, it remains a useful and favourite method of recording the temperature relations of complex biological processes”. But because Q10 values of different processes tend to fall within certain limits, they are often used to indicate types of reactions that might be occurring.

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HEGARTY, T. Temperature Coefficient (Q10), Seed Germination and Other Biological Processes. Nature 243, 305–306 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/243305a0

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