Dynamics of Seed Protein Biosynthesis in Two Soybean Genotypes Differing in Drought Susceptibility

The dynamics of seed storage protein biosynthesis was studied under field conditions during two vegetative seasons. Two soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) genotypes were examined: BOSA (drought tolerant) and L 121 (drought susceptible). Seed samples were taken from plants at three stages of seed maturation (50 and 70 d after flowering, and at full maturity). The earlier synthesis of the β-subunit of the 7S protein occurred in the drought susceptible cultivar. We have not found such differences in the synthesis of the α- and α'-subunits of the 7S protein. Our results did not confirm significant genotypic differences in protein composition of the mature seeds between the cultivars studied, but have pointed out to the differences in the dynamics of protein biosynthesis during seed maturation and desiccation.