Characterization of seed storage proteins and their synthesis during seed development in Olea europaea

SDS-PAGE analysis showed that seed storage proteins (SSPs) in olive mainly consisted of two hydrogen-bonded subunits, Solea I (41 kDa) and Solea II (4 7.5 kDa). When reduced, Solea I and II yielded 3 and 2 disulfide-bonded pol ypeptides, respectively. N-terminal sequencing confirmed that both Solea I and II shared a high similarity with II S proteins. Additionally, time-cour se of protein synthesis in olive seeds was investigated from 25 days after anthesis (DAA) until seed ripening. Before 105 DAA, young seeds contained o nly trace amounts of detectable proteins. Only from 105 DAA onwards, seed p roteins began to be massively synthesized. Seeds of 105 DAA and more exhibi ted no significant difference in protein profiles with mature seeds, especi ally in terms of Solea I and II.