Interaction of the soybean (Glycine max) seed lectin with components of the soybean protein body membrane.

In Leguminosae, lectins occur in the protein bodies which are membrane-lined storage organelles. Studies of the interaction between lectins and other protein body components could provide information about the internal organization of protein bodies and give indication of the biological function of lectins. From soybean (Glycine max) seeds, protein bodies and protein body membranes therefrom were isolated. By a technique similar to the ELISA procedure, it was shown that the membranes interact with the soybean lectin, SBA. This interaction can be inhibited by the haptenic monosaccharides specific for SBA, galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine, and is dependent on pH and ionic strength. By thin layer chromatography and lecting specific staining, it was shown that lipids from the protein body membrane are SBA-reactive.