ISSN:
1570-7458
Keywords:
Jack bean
;
Canavalia ensiformis, seed coat
;
proteins
;
vicilin
;
7S globulin
;
Callosobruchus maculatus
;
cowpea weevil
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The seeds of the Jack bean, Canavalia ensiformis (L) DC are known to contain several toxic substances that prevent their utilisation as food for humans and animals. The lectin concanavalin A and the enzyme urease are the best known of these proteins. We have found that many proteins present in the seeds of the Jack bean, like trypsin inhibitors and canatoxin, are detrimental to the development of the bruchid insect Callosobruchus maculatus (F) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Among these proteins, canavalin (vicilin, 7S globulin) was found to be expressed in the seed coat. We suggest that seed coat canavalin, in addition to other detrimental proteins expressed in this tissue, may have been of importance in the evolutionary discrimination of the seeds of this legume by non-pest bruchids.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1003808003136
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