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Composition and Structure of Protein Bodies and Spherosomes Isolated from Ungerminated Seeds of Sorghum bicolor (Linn.) Moench

^a National Chemical Research Laboratory, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa

Protein bodies and spherosomes have been isolated from mature seeds of Sorghum bicolor (Linn.) Moench by a procedure which successfully disrupts the protein starch complex in the grain. Protein bodies from whole grain are 68% protein and have a distinct border and a monolithic appearance. Those from embryo are 95% protein and have diffuse borders, vacuoles, and appear very granular. Aleurone tissue protein bodies are 46% protein with a structure similar to those from embryo, but possibly are composed of a protein carbohydrate mixture. Spherosomes from all sources are quite similar in composition and structure. They have an average composition of 27% protein, 12% phosphorus, and 8.6% metals. Microscopically, they appear as small vesicles bounded by a wall which is probably composed of protein and the potassiummagnesium salt of phytic acid.