PHYSIOLOGICAL-ROLE OF PROTEASE INHIBITORS IN PLANTS - 2 GROUPS OF ACTIVE INHIBITORS IN BUCKWHEAT SEED

Data on the role of protease inhibitors in buckwheat seed are summariz ed. Dormant seed are shown to contain at least two groups of functiona lly active protein inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes. The first group, responsible for control of endogenous protease activity, includes a m etalloproteinase inhibitor, which was isolated, characterized, and sup posed to modulate the enzyme activity during seed germination. The sec ond group comprises inhibitors capable of suppressing pathogenous micr oflora, and is supposed to be part of the plant defense system.