Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn distribution in embryos, endosperms, and seed coats of mature maize kernels was studied in eight genotypes of Zea mays L. The seed coat and embryo accumulated more micronutrients and Ca than the endosperm. The highest Fe and Mn concentrations (on a dry weight basis) were found in embryos and seed coats. The highest Ca concentrations were found in seed coats and Zn in embryos. Some 23% of Ca and 32% of Zn were eluted from the seed coat and 37% of Zn from the endosperm during seed imbibition. At the same time, the metals were retained in the bound state in all the other kernel tissues. The root length of seven-day-old maize seedlings correlated with micronutrient concentrations in embryo tissues. The level of micronutrient concentration in embryo tissues seems to affect the rate of the root growth in germinating maize kernels.