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A Chemical and Structural Analysis of the Caryopsis of an Autotetraploid Corn ( Zea mays L.) 1
Author(s) -
Freeman J. E.,
Yahl K. R.,
Watson S. A.
Publication year - 1967
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1967.0011183x000700060029x
Subject(s) - endosperm , steeping , caryopsis , starch , biology , botany , aleurone , germ , poaceae , maize starch , food science , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology
Caryopses of an experimental autotetraploid corn ( Zea mays L.) were compared with caryopses of a commercial diploid single cross hybrid. The autotetraploid caryopses were about 25% larger than those of the diploid. The tetraploid had a high level of carotenoid pigments and a somewhat larger apparent average size of starch molecules. Otherwise, the two grains were remarkably similar. Protein, fat, and starch contents and relative proportions of germ, endosperm, and combined pericarp and tip cap fractions of the two grains were essentially identical. Wet milling properties of the tetraploid corn were normal. Solubility patterns of both unmodified endosperm protein and gluten protein were similar with the two grains. An estimated 60 to 75% of the salt soluble protein, 40% of the alkali soluble protein and 60 to 90% of the initially insoluble protein from sequential extraction of the endosperm was solubilized by steeping in dilute SO 2 . On the other hand, essentially none of the zein was solubilized by steeping. Granule size, gelatinization temperature, swelling power and solubles, Brabender viscosity, Scott viscosity, fat content, and iodine affinity of the two starches were quite similar.