Structure of Protein Bodies and Elemental Composition of Phytin from Dry Germ of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

AbstractProtein bodies (PBs) from the epidermis and cortex of the radicle, as well as from coleorhizal and scutellar parenchyma of dry maize seeds were studied with the emphasis on presence and elemental composition of globoid crystals. PBs with variable structure were found in investigated tissues. Radicular epidermis was the only investigated tissue containing structurally uniform populations of PBs. They were filled by a homogeneous matrix without globoid crystals or their remnants. PBs structure and amount of proteinaceous matrix varied in the same cell of coleorhiza and scutellum. In the case of radicular cortex, the structure of PBs differed between analyzed individuals. Globoid crystals of various sizes were found in PBs from scutellum, coleorhiza, and from inner layers of radicular cortex. The largest globoid crystals (up to 2.0 μ in diameter) were seen in the scutellum. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray microanalysis revealed the presence of P,K. Mg, and some traces of Fe and Zn in the majority of globoid crystals from the scutellum. Globoid crystals from coleorhiza and radicular cortex were rich in Zn and Ca. The presence of considerable Zn was usually accompanied by high Ca, at the expense of K and Mg. As EDX analyses revealed significant differences in Zn and Zn/P values between analyzed tissues, it is probable that the majority of Zn is preferably accumulated in globoid crystals of some tissues of maize germ.