Biochemical and Histochemical Studies on Protease Activity and Reserve Protein Metabolism in the Cotyledons of Germinating Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata),

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Abstract
Changes in protein and protease distribution in cotyledons of germinating cowpea have been followed by histochemical, biochemical, and ultrastructural techniques. A close relationship, in location and timing, between an enhanced protease activity and protein mobilization has been demonstrated. The major enzyme(s) involved in protein breakdown is of the endopeptidase type. Initiation of protein mobilization appears to be associated with the fusion of cytoplasmic vesicles with the protein bodies.