Protein bodies in umbelliferous seeds. II. Elemental composition

Abstract

The elemental composition of the protein bodies from several members of the Umbelliferae including carrot (Daucus carota L. cv. Imperator 408), wild carrot (Daucus carota L.), caraway (Carum carvi L.), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), dill (Anethum graveolens L.), celery (Apium graveolens L. cv. Tall Utah), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L. cv. Hollow Crown), parsley (Petroselinum sativum L. cv. Moss Curled), and chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium L. cv. Curled) was determined using energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Globoid crystals in the endosperm usually contained P, K, and Mg or infrequently P, K, Mg, and Ca. In the embryos of carrot and caraway, P was always present with a combination of K, Mg, or Ca. Calcium was the only element detectable in the calcium-rich crystals. The proteinaceous matrix always contained S and K regardless of the inclusion present in the protein body.Quantitative determinations of P, Mg, K, and Ca are presented for all members studied except wild carrot, chervil, celery, and fennel. In all species analysed in this manner K or Ca were present in the highest amounts followed by P and Mg. Calcium-localization studies showed that most of the Ca is located in the endosperm and pericarp portions of the mericarp.