Abstract
The germination of seeds involves series of events during which mobilization and utilization of seed storage proteins occur. This study is aimed at determining the changes in total and fractions of seed storage protein in six bambaranut landraces during 96 hrs germination period. The study assessed the changes in seed storage protein content, storage protein profile, endopeptidase activity, free amino acids and gibberellic acid levels. Significant (p<0.05) decrease in total storage protein after 24 hrs, albumin from 48 hrs and globulin and glutelin after 72 hrs germination period were observed in the studied landraces. Prolamin showed significant (p<0.05) decrease after 48 hrs in all the landraces. Five peptide bands were detected in the six landraces with molecular weights corresponding to 97.4 kDa, 45 kDa, 29 kDa, 20.1 kDa and 18 kDa. Peptide bands with molecular weight of 97 kDa and 29 kDa decreased in intensity after 48 hrs of germination in four landraces. Free amino acids content significantly (p<0.05) increased following 24 hrs germination period in all the landraces. The activity of endopeptidase increased significantly (p<0.05), reaching maximum after 96 hrs germination. Significant (p<0.05) increase in gibberellic acid level throughout germination period was also observed. Although slow degradation rate of storage proteins was observed, there was variation in the rate at which storage protein and its fractions decreased among the bambaranut landraces during germination. This variation could be utilized towards obtaining improved bambaranut genotypes with better germination characteristics.
Highlights
Bambaranut (Vigna subteranea (L) Verdc.) is a drought tolerant legume known to have the ability to grow in soils with low fertility [1]
Storage proteins are degraded by the action of endo and exopeptidases, proteolytic enzymes which convert the storage proteins into soluble peptides that are further hydrolyzed into free amino acids which are mobilized to the embryonic axis to support growth [9]
This study is aimed at determining the changes in seed storage protein mobilization in six bambaranut landraces during 96 hrs germination period
Summary
Bambaranut (Vigna subteranea (L) Verdc.) is a drought tolerant legume known to have the ability to grow in soils with low fertility [1]. Few studies have associated the seed coat colour with physiological and biochemical processes and the notable differences in seed quality among landraces [2]. A number of issues including photoperiod and poor and slow germination are known to affect the production of bambaranut; these problems need to be solved in the near future to ensure its potentials towards global food, nutritional and environmental security are harnessed [3, 4]. Plants accumulate abundant reserves as carbohydrates, oils and proteins in their seeds during maturation which are crucial for seed germination and seedling establishment [5]. Germination is accompanied by mobilization of food reserve from the storage organs (cotyledons or endosperm), providing essential energy to fuel growth until the seedlings become autotrophic [7]. Seed storage protein mobilization during germination is among the vital events in the growth and development of seedlings [8]. Storage proteins are degraded by the action of endo and exopeptidases, proteolytic enzymes which convert the storage proteins into soluble peptides that are further hydrolyzed into free amino acids which are mobilized to the embryonic axis to support growth [9]
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