THE PATH OF CARBON IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS. XXXI. THE ROLE OF LECTINS

Abstract

Radish (Raphanus sativus) and Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris) seedlings, grown hydroponically, exhibited significantly greater increases in height and weight in medium containing α-mannoside supplemented with calcium and manganese salts, than in control treatments lacking one or more of those components. Furthermore, seeds sown on medium containing α-mannoside plus Ca²⁺and Mn²⁺showed accelerated germination. Calcium and manganese are necessary to maintain the protein conformation of mannose-binding lectins. In the presence of those cations, glycosides displace specific sugars bound to lectins, making them available to support plant growth.

Keywords:

• plant growth
• seed germination
• lectin
• glycoside
• calcium
• manganese

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We greatly appreciate the clarity of expression contributed by our colleague and past co-author in the series, Professor Emerita Valrie A. Gerard. Elucidation of concepts is brought to the forefront by her profound understanding of the field.