Changes in protein spectra of bean seed during germination

Globulins, albumins, and basic proteins were extracted from seeds of red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), and their distribution was in a ratio of about 3:2:1, respectively. The globulin fraction constituted a major portion of the reserve proteins and was hydrolyzed rapidly during germination. More than 90% of the basic proteins, extractable with 0.05 N acetic acid, disappeared 12 days after germination. Although the decrease in total albumin was not as marked as with the other two fractions, a number of components of this fraction disappeared during the early stages of germination, but several new components were detected about 8 days after germination. The apparent synthesis of new globulin components during germination was also observed, but no synthesis of basic protein could be detected.