Abstract
One of the major determinants that influence the nutritive values of plant seeds is the amino acid composition of seed proteins. A large fraction of seed proteins is constituted by the protein reserves referred to as seed storage proteins. They are synthesized in abundance in the embryo or the endosperm through a complex plant developmental program. These proteins serve as an essential nutrient source to support early plant seedling growth upon germination. Because of their abundance in plant seeds and their favorable amino acid composition, seed storage proteins of many agricultural crops have become the major source of nutrition for monogastric animals, including humans.