Changes in the protein composition of leghemoglobin in greening nodules of bengal gram (Cicer arietinum L.)

Investigations were carried out to study the effect of greening of Cicer arietinum L. nodules on the protein composition of leghemoglobin. The electrophoretograms prepared from red as well as brown nodules showed 14 bands out of which only two were heme containing proteins. There were only minor differences in the mobility pattern of the bands between the red and brown nodules. The pigment isolated from green non-functional nodules showed an overall reduction in the number of proteins and loss of heme in the two heme containing proteins of red nodules. It was concluded from these observations that greening of the nodules is accompained by destruction of the heme porphyrin ring, as well as denaturation of the protein. Genetic diversity in the number of proteins constituting leghemoglobin was confirmed.