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Characterization of embryo globulins encoded by the maizeGlb genes

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Abstract

Two of the most abundant proteins in maize embryos are saline-soluble, water-insoluble globulins. One is aM r 63,000 protein encoded by theGlbl gene and the other is aM r 45,000 component encoded by theGlb2 gene. Both proteins accumulate to high levels during embryo development and are rapidly degraded during the early stages of seed germination. Amino acid composition analysis indicates that these proteins may serve as storage reserves to provide sources of nitrogen and carbon to the germinating embryo. Amino-terminal sequence analysis of the finalGlb1 gene product, GLB1, and its immediate precursor, GLB1′, indicates that the latter is proteolytically cleaved near the amino terminus to form GLB1. In addition to these biochemical studies, we describe the identification of a novel maize variant which lacks the protein product of theGlb2 gene.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agronomy, University of Illinois, 61801, Urbana, Illinois

    Alan L. Kriz

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  1. Alan L. Kriz
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This contribution from the University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station was supported by grants from The Standard Oil Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of BP America, Inc., and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (No. 88-37262-3427).

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Kriz, A.L. Characterization of embryo globulins encoded by the maizeGlb genes. Biochem Genet 27, 239–251 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02401804

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02401804

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