Scanning Electron Microscopy Studies on Starch Granules of Red Kidney Beans and Bean Sprouts

Scanning electron microscopic examinations of cotyledons from red kidney beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris, L. ) revealed changes on the surface starch of granules during germination of the seeds. There were distinct transformations of the surface of the granules after the eighth day of germination. After germination for 10 days the granules appeared to be very fragile and broken into small, irregular fragments. Observations were also made on starch granules of cooked dry beans and in bean cotyledons germinated for 4 days followed by heating in edible oil at 95°C for 10min.