Amyloplasts and Starch Characterization in High Lysine Barley Mutant

Abstract

Starch granules of Notch-2 high lysine barley mutant are small, irregular in shape and show a virtual loss of birefringence and a higher gelatinization temperature, compared to parent NP-113. Starch polymer of Notch-2 is qualitatively different from parent, as evidenced by X-ray diffractograms. There is a higher incidence of V-pattern at early development as also at maturity in mutant as compared to parent. Intensities corresponding to B-pattern are present at early development in both parent and mutant. B-pattern persists at maturity in mutant, while it is replaced by A-pattern in parent. Amyloplasts of mutant are modified in contrast to normal, oblong amyloplasts of parent. Modified amyloplasts show loss of grana, increased granulation and lipid droplets. Extensive lipid complexing with starch polymers in mutant is indicated and possible commercial and nutritional potentials speculated.