NUTRITIONAL-EVALUATION OF HARD ENDOSPERM OPAQUE-2 MAIZE (ZEA-MAYS-L)

Chemical and biological evaluation of nutritional quality of hard endosperm opaque-2 maize was undertaken. Amino acid and nitrogen distribution in the endosperm and biological value of kernel protein of various grades of hard endosperm opaque-2 maize were studied. Albumins, globulins, and glutelins increased while the zein fraction decreased with decrease in kernel vitreosity. Amino acid composition of endosperm proteins indicated a decrease in lysine and tryptophan and an increase in leucine with the increase in kernel vitreosity. Rat feeding experiments showed nutritional superiority of modified opaque-2 over normal maize. Biological value of modified opaque-2 was slightly lower compared to opaque-2. Utilizable protein values for modified opaque-2 and opaque-2 were similar. The fresh weight and protein content of liver were higher in rats fed with modified opaque-2 and opaque-2 diet compared with normal maize diet. © 1979, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.