Studies on the quantitative and qualitative content of protein in samples of corn (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The paper studies the quantitative and qualitative content of protein in 49 samples of com (Zea mays L.). Independent chemical analysis were made on the protein of germ and endosperm. The description of the method of the chemical analysis in presented, giving special emphasis to the method with good result, for the determination of tryptophan. The following observations were made: 1. The average total protein content is fairly high in the studied samples (10,65%). 2. Flint corn samples showed significant higher total protein content than the dent corn samples (11,09% and 10,09%). 3. Between flint and dent corns the difference is not significant in the proportion of tryptophan over total protein. 4. The protein of the samples rich in protein, contains approximately 1,10% tryptophan; the protein of low protein samples contains, in the average, 1,20% tryptophan. The difference is poorly significant. 5. The protein of the germ has more tryptophan than the most high biological value animal or vegetal proteins. 6. Selection for a larger percentage of germ in the corn Kernel is efficient to increase not only the quantity but also the quality of the protein in corn.