In vivo binding partners of the Lens culinaris lectin

The immobilized lectin from the lentil (Lens culinaris) specifically binds two fractions out of the L. culinaris seed globulins. Both fractions are displaced from the lectin at low pH values. In addition, fraction I fails to interact at high ionic strengths, and fraction II in the presence of glucose or other lectin-specific sugars. The behaviour in zonal isoelectric precipitation and electrophoretical patterns indicate that both fractions represent subpopulations of the storage proteins. The interaction as demonstrated by affinity chromatography is corroborated by nephelometry: If the dissolved proteins (lectin plus fraction I or fraction II) are mixed under proper conditions the solutions become turbid. An even more pronounced interaction is observed if the lectin is reacted with both fractions at the same time. Seed albumins able to interact with the immobilized lectin include the dissolved lectin and two glycosidases (alpha-mannosidase, alpha-galactosidase) all of which are located in the protein bodies. A third glycosidase (beta-galactosidase) from outside of the protein bodies does not bind to the lectin. The results are discussed in view of the possibility that lectins may serve as packaging aids for other proteins in the protein bodies.