Characterization of Seed Protein Fractions from Castanea spp

Seed proteins of Castanea sativa and C. crenata were extractedby sequential procedures. Albumins accounted for over 20% ofthe total protein. Globulins were the main storage proteinsand represented close to half of the total protein. Additionof 2-mercaptoethanol was essential for maximum extraction ofthe globulins, a fraction with an amino acid composition similarto that of the 1 IS storage protein from legumes. Negligibleamounts of prolamins (<3%) were present in the seeds. Glutelinsrepresented just under 30% of the total protein. The proteinfractions were characterized by electrophoresis in polyacrylamidegels. The glutelin fraction contained unextracted globulinseven when 2-mercaptoethanol was used. Key words: Castanea spp, seeds, storage protein