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Reserve mobilisation in mesquite ( Prosopis juliflora ) seed (Leguminosae)
Author(s) -
Gallão Maria I,
Vieira Ícaro GP,
Mendes Francisca NP,
de Souza Alex SN,
de Brito Edy S
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.2936
Subject(s) - endosperm , imbibition , cotyledon , germination , viral tegument , sucrose , botany , starch , storage protein , seedling , hypocotyl , palisade cell , prosopis , chemistry , biology , food science , biochemistry , virology , gene
The seeds of Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) have a water barrier composed of the palisade layer present in the seed tegument and galactomannans in the endosperm. Changes in the morphological and physiological states of seeds are usually accompanied by changes in their metabolism. The aim of this study was to detect and characterise the main reserves and their mobilisation during and following germination of P. juliflora seeds. Sections of seeds 0, 24, 48 and 72 h after the onset of the imbibing process were evaluated by light microscopy, and seed reserves were extracted and quantified. Polysaccharides were isolated and characterised by 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In mesquite seeds a well‐developed endosperm, consisting largely of the storage carbohydrate (galactomannans), lies between the seed coat and the cotyledons. Germination was complete after 24 h of imbibition. At this time, morphological changes were observed in stained protein bodies. Chemical analysis showed a decrease in protein levels until 48 h. After 48 h, globular structures were observed in the cotyledon cells, but after 72 h these grains were smaller and their content was reduced. Polarisation microscopy confirmed that this material was composed of starch grains. The 1 H NMR spectrum of P. juliflora seeds showed that sucrose was used following germination. Apparently, sucrose is the transport sugar mobilised from reserve stocks for seedling growth. Parallel to endosperm galactomannan degradation, starch is produced transitorily in the cotyledon. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry