Koval'chuk N. Physiological role of lectins in the processes of maturation and germination of bean seeds (Pheseolus vulgaris L.)

Was conduct of seed lectin physiological role using as an example bean lectin - phytohemagglutinin (PHA). As compared with typically reserve proteins such as vicilin lectin has for the first time been shown to accumulate in embryonic axes but not in cotyledons during maturing. This high content of PHA in embryonic axes and presence of binding centers for cytokinins in PHA molecules may indicate the importanse of lectin in the development of seed dormancy.A protective role of PHA based during the germination on the lectin ability to exude into the environment and cause inhibition of growth of diseasc-producing bacteria.During the investigation of an exogenous on the lectin activity as well as endogenous content of various phytohormones there has been found a possibility of existence of two alternative ways of the hormonal regulation on varius seeds organs mediated by ABA and GBA.