Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of element distribution in amaranth seed

Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis in combination with scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the distribition of mineral nutrients in am aranth seed, it was found that P, Ii, and Mg were exclusively localized in embryonic tissue (cotyledons and radicles), but not in procambium. Since ph ytin globoids occur in cotyledons and radicles in the seed, it is conceived that these elements are associated with phytate. Sulfur was evenly distrib uted in the embryonic tissue including procambium, which might be derived f rom sulfur-containing proteins. Calcium was mostly present in seed coats an d the boundary between the perisperm and embryo, suggesting that Ca is asso ciated with pectins that constitute the network structure of cell wall.