Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Protocols for Obtaining Zygotic and Somatic Embryos for Studying the Regulation of Early Embryo Development in the Model Legume Medicago truncatula
Published on: June 9, 2015
Reserve accumulation in legume seeds
Karine Gallardo1, Richard Thompson, Judith Burstin
1INRA, UMR102 Genetics and Ecophysiology of Grain Legumes, 21000 Dijon, France. Karine.gallardo@epoisses.inra.fr
Abstract:
The accumulation of seed reserves is the result of distinct processes occurring in parallel in the main seed compartments of either maternal (seed coats) or zygotic (embryo, endosperm) origin. With the development of legume genomic resources, recent advances have been made toward understanding the metabolic control of seed filling and the regulatory network underlying reserve accumulation. Genetic variability for seed composition has been studied along with the environmental factors influencing reserve accumulation. Nutrient availability and sink strength were both found to be limiting for reserve accumulation. Genes and/or QTL controlling seed protein content and sulfur-amino acid levels have been identified. These new findings will support our attempts to engineer legume seed composition for added end user value.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Seed Structure and Early Development of the Sporophyte
Energy Budgets and Reproductive Strategies
Responses to Drought and Flooding

