Abstract:The galactosyl oligosaccharides of raffinose series are widely distributed in seeds of many species and are localized in tissues that remain viable after desiccation, including the embryo and aleurone layer of cereals, cotyledons and axis tissues of legumes and other dicots. While not synthesized in non_autolytic central endosperm cells of cereals, raffinose series galactosyl oligosaccharides accumulate late in seed development, continuing after mass maturity and into desiccation. Raffinose family oligosaccharides are among the most widespread low_molecu
lar_mass α_galactosides in seeds, mainly includes raffinose, stachyose, verbascose. Raffinose family oligosaccharides have been proposed to play roles in the acquisition of desiccation tolerance in seeds, seeds viablity, and cold acclimation in plant.