Calcium oxalate druse crystals and other inclusions in seed protein bodies: Eucalyptus and jojoba

1978 ◽  
Vol 56 (17) ◽  
pp. 2083-2091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark S. Buttrose ◽  
John N. A. Lott
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Oxalate ◽  
Structural Variation ◽  
Seed Protein ◽  
Freeze Fracture ◽  
Protein Body ◽  
Protein Bodies ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Edx Analysis ◽  
Plant Seeds ◽  
Freeze Dried

Druse crystals of calcium oxalate are known to occur in some protein bodies of some plant seeds. This paper reports observations on crystals, and other contents, of protein bodies of Eucalyptus erythrocorys and Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba). Results are presented from thin section studies of glutaraldehyde–OsO4 fixed, dehydrated, and embedded tissue; freeze-fracture studies; energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis studies of freeze-dried tissue powders (Eucalyptus only); and chemical analysis studies of P, Mg, K, and Ca content (Eucalyptus only). Many Eucalyptus protein bodies contained large druse crystals rich in Ca but devoid of P, K, and Mg, and an occasional protein body from jojoba contained some dispersed crystals. Eucalyptus seeds were exceptionally high in Ca content. EDX analysis results provide evidence favouring the phytin-rich nature of globoid crystals in the two species. Structural variation in the globoid crystals was great, especially in jojoba. Eucalyptus, whose protein bodies contained very large globoid crystals rich in P, Mg, and K, was found to have higher levels of these elements than most species investigated to date.

Thin-section, freeze-fracture, and energy dispersive x-ray analysis studies of the protein bodies of tomato seeds

1980 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 699-711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernest Spitzer ◽  
John N. A. Lott
Keyword(s):  
Freeze Fracture ◽  
Protein Body ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Energy Dispersive ◽  
Protein Bodies ◽  
Elemental Content ◽  
Tomato Seed ◽  
Endosperm Tissue ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Edx Analysis

Protein bodies of dry seeds of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) from radicle, hypocotyl, cotyledon, and endosperm tissue were extensively studied using thin-sectioning, freeze-fracturing and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis. Protein bodies varied in size, were oval to circular in section, and generally consisted of a proteinaceous matrix, globoid crystal, and protein crystalloid components. Size, shape, and arrangements of globoid crystals and protein crystalloids varied even within the same cell. Globoid crystals were generally oval to circular in section. They were always surrounded by a proteinaceous matrix. In a given protein body the number present ranged from a few to numerous. A protein body generally contained only one protein crystalloid. In section, protein crystalloids were irregular or angular in shape. They were composed of substructural particles which formed lattice planes. EDX analysis of tomato seed globoid crystals revealed the presence of P, K, and Mg in all cases, a fact that is consistent with globoid crystals being phytin-rich. Rarely, small amounts of calcium were found along with P, K, and Mg in globoid crystals of each of the tissue regions considered. The distribution pattern of cells with Ca containing globoid crystals was random. Small amounts of Fe and Mn were also found in the globoid crystals of protein bodies from certain cell types. These two elements, unlike calcium, were specific in terms of their distribution. Globoid crystals from the protodermal cells often contained Mn and Fe. The globoid crystals from provascular tissue of radicle, hypocotyl, and cotyledon regions often contained Fe while globoid crystals in the first layer of large cells surrounding these provascular areas always contained Fe. Results from EDX analysis of the proteinaceous material from the protein bodies are presented and discussed as are variations in elemental content due to different fixations.

Globoids in Protein Bodies of Legume Seed Cotyledons

1978 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 89 ◽  
Author(s):  
JNA Lott ◽  
MS Buttrose
Keyword(s):  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Protein Body ◽  
Protein Bodies ◽  
Fixed Tissue ◽  
Edx Analysis ◽  
Freeze Dried ◽  
Thin Sectioning ◽  
Legume Protein ◽  
Structure Lead ◽  
Published Research

Inclusions were found in protein bodies in cotyledons of seeds of each of five legume species (Acacia conferta, Cassia artemisioides, Clianthus formosus, Glycine max, Vicia faba). They were studied by a number of techniques: thin sectioning of fixed, embedded tissue; freeze-fracturing of unfixed tissue; chemical analysis of P, K, Mg and Ca content; and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis of both sections of glutaraldehyde-fixed tissue and freeze-dried tissue powders. The results of the studies presented in this paper, combined with a critical evaluation of the published research on legume protein body structure, lead us to believe that globoid crystals are a frequent occurrence in legume protein bodies. EDX analysis results indicate that electron-dense globoid crystals are rich in phytin and that phytin may also be present throughout the proteinaceous matrix portions of some legume protein bodies.

An energy dispersive x-ray analysis study of elemental loss from globoid crystals in protein bodies as a result of osmium tetroxide fixation

1978 ◽  
Vol 56 (19) ◽  
pp. 2408-2414 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. N. A. Lott ◽  
J. S. Greenwood ◽  
C. M. Vollmer
Keyword(s):  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
Juglans Regia ◽  
Energy Dispersive ◽  
Protein Bodies ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Edx Analysis ◽  
Freeze Dried ◽  
Major Loss ◽  
Degree Of Extraction ◽  
Helichrysum Bracteatum

This study was undertaken to discover what elemental losses, if any, were occurring from globoid crystals in seed protein bodies during glutaraldehyde – osmium tetroxide fixation. Unfixed cotyledon and radicle tissue of Cucurbita maxima seed, or tissue after glutaral–dehyde–OsO4 treatment, was quick frozen in liquid N2, ground with a cold mortar and pestle, and low-temperature freeze-dried. Globoid crystals in the freeze-dried powder were subjected to energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis. OsO4 fixation resulted in a major loss of P, Mg, and K from cotyledon globoid crystals and a major loss of P, Mg, K, and Ca from radicle globoid crystals. Despite the loss of elements, the OsO4-fixed globoid crystals were still electron dense. When globoid crystals from glutaraldehyde-fixed, dehydrated, and embedded cotyledon tissue were compared with globoid crystals from glutaraldehyde–OsO4-fixed, dehydrated, and embedded tissue, some extraction was found. The degree of extraction varied from complete loss of P, K, and Mg to loss of K only.Effects of glutaraldehyde–OsO4 fixation upon elemental composition of globoid crystals in several other species was also determined. Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) radicle tissue or cotyledon tissue from walnut (Juglans regia), hazelnut (Corylus avellana), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), golden everlasting daisy (Helichrysum bracteatum), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), pistachio (Pistacia vera), and the Western Australian red-capped gum (Eucalyptus erythrocorys) were fixed either in glutaraldehyde or in glutaraldehyde–OsO4. In these species, EDX analysis of globoid crystal sections showed that OsO4 fixation results in major loss of Mg, K, and Ca. Generally, phosphorus levels were reduced from control values as well. When carrying out EDX analysis studies of globoid crystals, we recommend (1) avoiding any use of OsO4, (2) keeping all fixation, washing, and dehydration times as short as possible, and (3) checking all observations with freeze-dried powders.

Thin sectioning, freeze fracturing, energy dispersive x-ray analysis, and chemical analysis in the study of inclusions in seed protein bodies: almond, Brazil nut, and quandong

1978 ◽  
Vol 56 (17) ◽  
pp. 2050-2061 ◽  
Author(s):  
John N. A. Lott ◽  
Mark S. Buttrose
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Analysis ◽  
Freeze Fracture ◽  
Prunus Dulcis ◽  
Energy Dispersive ◽  
Protein Bodies ◽  
Brazil Nut ◽  
Fixed Tissue ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Freeze Dried

Protein bodies from almond (Prunus dulcis), Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa), and quandong (Santalum acuminatum) have been studied in thin sections of fixed and embedded tissue, in freeze-fracture replicas of unfixed tissue, by chemical analysis of tissue for P, K, Mg, and Ca, and by energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis of both sections of glutaraldehyde-fixed tissue and freeze-dried tissue powders. The protein bodies in all three species contained globoid crystals, protein crystalloids, and proteinaceous matrix regions. Results of EDX analyses were consistent with globoid crystals being rich in phytin. Variation in both the structure and the elemental composition of globoids was common. In almond some globoids were lobed rather than spherical, and large globoid crystals often contained considerable calcium whereas small globoid crystals contained little if any calcium. The globoid crystals of Brazil nut often contained barium in addition to P, K, Ca, and Mg. Protein crystalloids of Brazil nut were compound crystals. Protein bodies of quandong seed, which is largely endosperm rather than embryo, were unexceptional.

Manganese and Iron in Globoid Crystals of Protein Bodies From Avena and Casuarina

1978 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 631 ◽  
Author(s):  
MS Buttrose
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Analysis ◽  
Avena Sativa ◽  
Storage Protein ◽  
Major Elements ◽  
Energy Dispersive ◽  
Protein Bodies ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Plant Seeds

The storage protein bodies of plant seeds usually contain globoid crystals with a high content of phytin, a rich store of Mg, P, K and Ca. By energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Mn and Fe have now been located in the globoid crystals of protein bodies in the seed embryos of Avena sativa and Casuarina species. Their levels in sections of globoids, relative to the levels of the major elements present, is consistent with their relative levels stored in whole seeds of various species as determined by chemical analysis.

ENERGY DISPERSIVE X-RAY ANALYSIS OF FIELD PEAS WITH DIFFERENT COOKING QUALITY

1983 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 1071-1074 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. CHONG ◽  
S. T. ALI-KHAN ◽  
B. B. CHUBEY ◽  
G. H. GUBBELS
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Pisum Sativum ◽  
Cooking Quality ◽  
Energy Dispersive ◽  
Protein Bodies ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Pisum Sativum L ◽  
Field Peas ◽  
Freeze Dried ◽  
High Concentrations

An energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analytical method was used to study the freeze-dried powder of seeds of field peas (Pisum sativum L.) with good and poor cooking quality. EDX analysis of the electron-dense particles in the freeze-dried powder revealed the presence of high concentrations of Mg, P, and K, suggesting that the particles were protein bodies. Seeds with different cooking quality were compared with respect to the ratios of these elements in the dense particles. Statistical analysis indicated a significant correlation between these ratios and cooking quality.Key words: Pisum sativum, protein bodies, elemental analysis

Location of reserves of mineral elements in seed protein bodies: macadamia nut, walnut, and hazel nut

1978 ◽  
Vol 56 (17) ◽  
pp. 2072-2082 ◽  
Author(s):  
John N. A. Lott ◽  
Mark S. Buttrose
Keyword(s):  
Juglans Regia ◽  
Matrix Material ◽  
Freeze Fracture ◽  
Mineral Elements ◽  
Protein Bodies ◽  
Large Protein ◽  
Edx Analysis ◽  
Macadamia Integrifolia ◽  
Macadamia Nut ◽  
Very High

This paper presents the results of thin-section, freeze-fracture, energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis, and chemical analysis studies of cotyledon tissue from dry seeds of macadamia nut (Macadamia integrifolia), walnut (Juglans regia), and hazel nut (Corylus avellana). Studies concentrated on mineral elements in the storage protein bodies. Protein bodies of macadamia nut contained no protein crystalloids but did contain some globoid crystals. Aqueous fixation of macadamia tissue appeared to result in a rapid solubilization of proteinaceous matrix material. EDX analysis of macadamia nut globoid crystals revealed the presence of P, K, and Mg in most cases but the occasional crystal was very high in calcium. Walnut protein bodies often contained many large protein crystalloids. Globoid crystals were present between the protein crystalloids and in the proteinaceous matrix. EDX analysis indicated the presence of P, K, and Mg as the main elements in walnut globoid crystals. Hazel nut protein bodies contained one or more small protein crystalloids, globoid crystals of various sizes, and proteinaceous matrix. Some protein bodies contained druse crystals. EDX analysis showed that the druse crystals were rich in calcium and thus are presumably calcium oxalate. EDX analysis of globoid crystals revealed the presence of elements consistent with the phytin-rich nature of globoid crystals. Variations in globoid crystal composition are discussed.

Studies of mature seeds of eleven Pinus species differing in seed weight. II. Subcellular structure and localization of elements

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 577-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. West ◽  
J. N. A. Lott
Keyword(s):  
Seed Weight ◽  
Female Gametophyte ◽  
Protein Body ◽  
Energy Dispersive ◽  
Protein Bodies ◽  
Body Structure ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Tissue Weight ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
Mature Seeds

Seed tissues of 11 species of Pinus, varying greatly in seed weight, all contained protein bodies with one or more protein crystalloids and (or) one or more globoid crystals. Protein body structure and the types of elements stored in globoid crystals of protein bodies were similar between female gametophytes and their embryos. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis of globoid crystals revealed the presence of P, K, and Mg, a finding consistent with their being phytate rich. Traces of Ca and Fe were also detected in globoid crystals of some tissues. The P and Mg levels in globoid crystals of embryo and female gametophyte tissues decreased as interspecific seed tissue weight increased. High levels of Fe and significant levels of P, K, and Mg were detected in small, often ≤ 0.33 μm, naturally electron-dense particles distributed in all tissues of the embryo and female gametophyte. Unlike conventional phytate-rich globoid crystals, these Fe-rich particles were not contained in typical protein bodies but were contained within membrane-bound structures that may be plastids. Iron levels of the Fe-rich particles of Pinus seed tissues decreased as seed tissue weight increased. Key words: Pinus, seed weight, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, globoid crystals, Fe-rich particles.

Inclusions in seed protein bodies in members of the Compositae and Anacardiaceae: comparison with other dicotyledonous families

1978 ◽  
Vol 56 (17) ◽  
pp. 2062-2071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark S. Buttrose ◽  
John N. A. Lott
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Size ◽  
Freeze Fracture ◽  
Protein Body ◽  
Protein Bodies ◽  
Body Structure ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Edx Analyses ◽  
Pistachio Nut ◽  
Taxonomic Grouping ◽  
Helichrysum Bracteatum

Thin sections, freeze-fracture replicas, energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analyses, and chemical analyses of cotyledon tissue from seeds of sunflower (Helianthus annuus), golden everlasting daisy (Helichrysum bracteatum), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), and pistachio nut (Pistacia vera) showed that in all four species the protein bodies consisted of a proteinaceous matrix surrounding numerous globoid crystals. Some variation in globoid crystal size did occur, but they were generally small in relation to the size of the protein body. No protein crystalloids were found in the cotyledon protein bodies of these four species. EDX analysis results were consistent with the globoid crystals being phytin rich. Results of this study, combined with an evaluation of protein body structure in other dicot embryos that have been studied, support the theory that protein body structure is related to taxonomic grouping.

An energy dispersive x-ray analysis study of protein bodies in the seeds of Astragalus bisulcatus and Oxytropis Lambertii

1979 ◽  
Vol 57 (9) ◽  
pp. 987-992 ◽  
Author(s):  
John N. A. Lott ◽  
Catherine M. Vollmer
Keyword(s):  
Protein Body ◽  
Energy Dispersive ◽  
Protein Bodies ◽  
Mineral Uptake ◽  
Leguminous Plants ◽  
Analysis Study ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Astragalus Bisulcatus ◽  
Mineral Reserves

Elemental composition of protein body regions in radicle, stem, and cotyledon areas of the leguminous plants Astragalus bisulcatus and Oxytropis Lambertii were determined using energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis. Globoid crystals from all tissue regions of both species routinely contained P, K, Mg, and Ca. Possible relationships between seed size and the presence of calcium in globoid crystals of plants in the legume subfamily Papilionateae are discussed. Although the two species studied are selenium accumulators, no Se was ever detected in either globoid crystal or proteinaceous regions. The unusual mineral uptake properties of these plants seemingly does not influence the types of mineral reserves deposited in the protein bodies of the seed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document