Isolation and detection of ?-(?-glutamyl) lysine isodipeptide in tissues of broad bean (Vicia fabavar Aquadulce)seeds at different stages after development

Transglutaminase 2 (TG-ase or TG 2) an ubiquitous enzyme which is present in various living cells; animals, plants, algae and bacteria, and reported to perform diverse roles and functions in developmental processes was investigated in tissues of broad beans (Vicia faba var Aquadulce) seeds at different stages (large, medium and small sized seeds) after development. Protein was extracted from two different compartments of the seeds (testa and cotyledon) and was examined for the presence of the enzyme and its activity. The study showed the presence of TG 2 both in the testa and cotyledon of the seeds. Also, transglutaminase activity was detected by the presence of ?-(?-glutamyl) lysine isodipeptide. However, the activity was found to be very high in the testa and cotyledon of the small sized seeds of Vicia faba and decreases as the seed grow bigger (mature). The decrease in TG 2 activity is an evidence that the enzyme is involve in some developmental processes that take place in the seeds possibly cell differentiation and cell wall formation.