Endosperm Structure of High Lysine Sorghum1

Abstract

Scanning electron micrographs showed that high lysine sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] endosperm contains fewer and smaller protein bodies than normal sorghum endosperm. This Indicates that an alteration in protein synthesis had occurred in the endosperm of higher lysine sorghums. Improved lysine content resulted because these protein bodies contain mainly alcohol soluble proteins, which are very deficient in basic amino acid content. The marked reduction in protein bodies suggests the change in endosperm protein synthesis was significant and that it may be possible to isolate plump kernels with fewer protein bodies and higher lysine content. The potential use of scanning electron microscopy as a nondestructive tool to select sorghums with plump kernels and high lysine content should be explored.