Origin and Development of Protein Granules in Maize Endosperm

Protein granule development in the starchy endosperm of normal maize (inbred line, W46A) was studied with optical and electron microscopy. The granules were first observed 12 days after pollination as spherical deposits, usually single, within an enclosing membrane. They developed from vesicles produced by the endoplasmic reticulum and were formed both as small localized cisternal dilations and as enlargements at the ends of endoplasmic reticulum. Dictyosomes also appear to proliferate protein granule vesicles. The protein accumulated in the granules appears to be synthesized outside the membranes. Once initiated, the granules rapidly increase in size and number as the kernel develops; their final diameter ranges up to 2 μ . Immature granules stain with a variety of biological dyes in aqueous solution as well as with metal stains; mature granules stain lightly or not at all. At kernel maturity, the protein granules are embedded in a protein matrix.