<Original>Metal Species in Some Lectins Detected by Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer

Abstract

Ten commercial lectins were semi-quantitatively analyzed for their metal species by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer. Calcium, silicon, zinc and manganese, which had been found in a lectin purified from a tree trunk, were especially analyzed. Calcium was abundant in the lectins obtained from dicotyledonous source, some of which also contained zinc and/or manganese. Calcium ions in these lectins were discussed in relation to their physiological roles. Silicon was detected in all of the lectins analyzed. Some of the lectins were phosphorylated, suggesting participation of protein kinases for their processing.