Immunocytochemical Localization of Legumin with Developing Stages of Ginseng Endosperm Cells

발달단계에 따른 인삼 (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) 배유세포의 Legumin에 대한 면역세포화학적 분포

Legumin was purified from the endosperm cells of the ginseng seed and analyzed its characteristics. Distributional patterns of the legumin in the endosperm cells were identified using the immunocytochemical method. Legumin was glycoprotein composed of two subunits, molecular weights about 33,000 and 25,000 respectively. The molecular shape of purified legumin stained negatively seems to have hexagonal structure about 10 nm in size. It was localized at the rER, dictyosomes, and in the vacuoles at the early developing stage. Legumin was glycosylated in the dictyosomes and transported from the dictyosomes to the vacuoles. Legumin was accumulated into the central vacuole via the dictyosomes while the endosperm cells were developing. The armorphous proteins containing legumin were scattered randomly within the central vacuoles, which were aggregated together and became gradually spherical shape. Legumin was distributed within the globular protein bodies in the endosperm cells of matured seed. However legumin was not found in the globoids located in the protein bodies.