Development of protein bodies in cotyledons of Fagus sylvatica

Abstract

Electron microscopic analysis of cotyledons of beech (Fagus sylvatica) at different stages of seed maturation indicates that protein bodies originate by gradual subdivision of the vacuoles in which reserve proteins are deposited. The majority of protein bodies show a proteinaceous matrix and a number of globoid inclusions of different sizes. In a small number of cells, druse‐like inclusions were observed. Analysis by SDS‐PAGE of proteins extracted from isolated protein bodies shows that the majority correspond to beech seed storage globulins.