The genetics of legume storage proteins

The seed storage proteins of Pisum (pea) and Phaseolus vulgaris (French bean) exhibit genetic variation for polypeptide structure; genetical studies indicate that most of the major storage protein genes exhibit simple, codominant Mendelian inheritance. Biochemical analysis of the storage protein polypeptides and their messenger RNAs shows that the allelic alternatives are probably small families of closely linked structural genes. Two of these genes - those for the major legumin gene family and for convicilin, both from Pisum sativum - have been assigned to specific sites on linkage groups. Genes affecting the synthesis of legumin in Pisum sativum and of phaseolin in Phaseolus vulgaris have been identified.