Protein Bodies from the Endosperm of Castor Bean

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Abstract
Protein bodies from the storage endosperm of dry castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) were isolated by successive nonaqueous linear density gradient centrifugation. The isolated protein bodies were lysed by the addition of water, and the various structural components of the organelles were separated by sucrose gradient centrifugation. The matrix protein remained at the top of the gradient while the membrane, the crystalloids, and the globoids migrated to densities 1.15 g/cm3, 1.30 g/cm3, and > 1.46 g/cm3, respectively. The protein of the protein bodies was distributed evenly between the crystalloids and the matrix, and little protein was present in the globoids or the membrane.