Photoinhibition influences protein utilisation during seed germination in Cleome gynandra L.

Seed storage proteins are mobilised during germination, especially at radicle protrusion. The objective of this study was to examine changes in protein expression during germination of Cleome gynandra in the presence or absence of light and at constant or alternating temperatures. Seeds were germinated at alternating 30/20 or 20oC in darkness and in continuous white light. Four prominent proteins of 28 - 32 kDa and 18 - 20 kDa, and a fifth low molecular weight protein of 13 kDa were observed in seeds harvested at brown pod maturity. These proteins remained unchanged during photoinhibition as shown on SDS-PAGE gels. Photoinhibition is a pseudodormancy condition during which seed storage proteins are not utilised.