CHANGES IN ALCOHOL-SOLUBLE PROTEINS (ZEINS) DURING MAIZE SEED-GERMINATION

Alcohol-soluble proteins (zeins) were extracted from different maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes with an aqueous alcohol solvent containing a reducing agent, and separated into three distinct classes (alpha-, beta-, gamma-zein). Mature seeds of the maize inbred lines Mo17, ZPL773, Oh43 and Oh43o2 showed differences both in the amounts and ratio of zein classes. During germination, differences in the rate of total zein degradation among the investigated inbred lines were evident. Differences in degradation of the zein classes demonstrated a sequential digestion of zeins due to their location within protein bodies.