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Isolation and characterization of peanut spherosomes
T J Jacks1, L Y Yatsu, A M Altschul
1Seed Protein Pioneering Research Laboratory , P. O. Box 19687, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.
Plant Physiology
|April 1, 1967
Summary
Peanut spherosomes, storage organelles in germinating seeds, are primarily lipid bodies. Electron microscopy confirmed these structures are rich in lipids but lack enzymes for lipid breakdown, indicating they are storage sites, not degradation sites.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Spherosomes are key organelles in plant seed cotyledons.
- Understanding their function is crucial for seed physiology research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the structure and biochemical composition of peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) spherosomes.
- To investigate the role of spherosomes in lipid metabolism within peanut cotyledons.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to examine the morphology of spherosomes in situ and after isolation.
- Biochemical analysis determined the lipid, phospholipid, and protein content of isolated spherosomes.
- Enzyme assays were performed to assess lipase and fatty acyl-Coenzyme A synthetase activity.
Main Results:
- Isolated peanut spherosomes, 1.0–2.0 μm in diameter, possess a limiting membrane and are composed of 98.1% total lipids by dry weight.
- Protein and phospholipid content suggest they form the spherosome membrane.
- Enzyme activity assays revealed no association of lipase or fatty acyl-Coenzyme A synthetase with isolated spherosomes.
Conclusions:
- Peanut spherosomes function as the primary sites for lipid storage within the cotyledon.
- The absence of key degradation enzymes suggests spherosomes are not involved in lipid breakdown processes.
