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2S albumin from buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum moench) seeds
R S Radovic1, R V Maksimovic, M J Brkljacic
1Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
Abstract:
Sucrose density gradient centrifugation showed that approximately 30% of total buckwheat proteins migrated with a 2S sedimentation coefficient. The main part of that fraction, polypeptides in the range of molecular mass from 8 to 16 kDa, were water soluble and represented albumins. SDS-PAGE analysis in nonreducing and reducing conditions showed that these polypeptides were not linked by disulfide bonds. The albumins make 25% of total salt soluble proteins, but that content is dramatically reduced under S-deficiency conditions. Determination of amino acid composition showed high methionine (9.2%) and lysine (5.6%) contents. That characteristic offers the possibility of transfer of the genes for individual albumin polypeptides to legumes and cereals limited in those essential amino acids to improve their nutritional quality.
Insights
Buckwheat contains albumins, which are water-soluble proteins rich in essential amino acids like methionine and lysine. These findings suggest potential for improving crop nutritional quality by transferring buckwheat albumin genes.
Area of Science:
- Plant biochemistry
- Molecular biology
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is a pseudocereal with potential nutritional benefits.
- Understanding protein composition is crucial for optimizing food quality and agricultural applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the 2S albumin fraction in buckwheat seeds.
- To determine the nutritional value of these albumins based on amino acid profiles.
- To explore the potential for genetic improvement of other crops.
Main Methods:
- Sucrose density gradient centrifugation to analyze protein sedimentation.
- Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) under reducing and nonreducing conditions.
- Amino acid composition analysis.
Main Results:
- Approximately 30% of total buckwheat proteins exhibited a 2S sedimentation coefficient, identified as albumins.
- These albumins consist of polypeptides (8-16 kDa) that are water-soluble and not linked by disulfide bonds.
- Albumins constitute 25% of salt-soluble proteins, but this level decreases significantly under sulfur deficiency.
- High levels of methionine (9.2%) and lysine (5.6%) were found in the albumin fraction.
Conclusions:
- Buckwheat 2S albumins are a significant protein fraction with a favorable amino acid profile, particularly rich in methionine and lysine.
- These albumins represent a valuable resource for enhancing the nutritional quality of staple crops like legumes and cereals.
- Genetic engineering approaches could utilize buckwheat albumin genes to address essential amino acid deficiencies in other plant species.