Objectives and Backgrounds

 Seed storage proteins are synthesized in great abundance during seed development and serve as a nitrogen sink for the germinating seedling; they are also a staple protein source for humans and livestock.

emsp;Maize (Zea mays) is one of the most productive crops in the world. Its seeds contain 10% protein, of which >60% are alcohol-soluble proteins called zeins. The abundance of zein proteins is largely attributed to their high level of gene transcription. Zeins are classified into four subfamilies, α-zeins (19 and 22 kD), γ-zeins (50, 27, and 16 kD), β-zeins (15 kD), and δ-zeins (10 and 18 kD), based on their molecular mass and structure