[Mobilization of storage proteins in cereal grains]

Mobilization of seed reserves is a gradual process leading to the total degradation of accumulated biopolymers. In cereals cysteine endopeptidases and serine carboxypeptidases play essential role in hydrolysis of storage proteins. Peptidases of other catalytic groups seem to take part in regulatory processes or various processes that are not directly connected with storage proteins breakdown in the endosperm of germinating grains. The rate of the hydrolysis depends on the presence of biologically active gibberellins in the grain tissues. The presence of gibberellins determines peptidases synthesis in the aleurone layer, and acidification of starchy endosperm where the process occurs. Although the researches are highly advanced the functions of many peptidases in the storage proteins degradation are still not identified.