Immunochemical study of changes in reserve proteins of germinating soybean seeds.

Changes in the reserve proteins of soybean seeds (Glycine max) were investigated by the techniques of disc electrophoresis and disc immunoelectrophoresis. Three different antisera were used in these studies, an anti-whole soybean extract serum 129, an anti-11S soybean protein monospecific serum 102, and an anti-7S soybean protein monospecific serum 132. At least 6 antigenically distinct components were found to be present in the proteins of the isolated soybean protein bodies. These components are metabolized at different rates during germination. The major soybean protein (11S component) is found to be present even after 16 days of germination, whereas the 7S component disappears after the ninth day. Histochemical observations of cotyledon sections during germination are also reported.