Localization of lectins in legume cotyledons

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Abstract
High-resolurion techniques for the localization of lectins are described. Concanavalin A (Con A) and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) are localized using a fluorescent method with (FITC)-labelled immunoglobulins which bind to the lectins in sections of jack and red kidney bean cotyledons. Specificity is defined by the use of specific sugar inhibitors. Both Con A and PHA are found in cytoplasmic sites. Lectins with β-glycoside specificity are detected with red-coloured artificial carbohydrate antigens. The β-galactosyl and β-glucosyl antigens bind specifically to clusters of spherical bodies in the intercellular spaces, to cell wall sites, and to the periphery of the cytoplasm associated with the cell membrane.