Mike Hasegawa, Purdue University (IMAGE) Purdue University Caption Mike Hasegawa discovered a process that regulates the genes in seeds that control germination and seedling development. When a peptide is attached to a particular protein in the seed, a process can begin that turns off the genes that are prohibiting germination. Credit (Purdue Agricultural Communications photo/Tom Campbell) Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.