Advances in heat shock proteins of seed

A large number of proteins containing heat shock proteins (HSPs) can be synthesized in the process of maturation, storage and germination in plant seed. The correlation between HSPs and maturation or thermo tolerance of seed is revealed by studying the structure and function of HSPs so as to interpret the role of HSPs in seed. Seed vigour could be improved and the germplasm resources could be protected by cultivating plant seed with heat-resistance. The purpose of promoting agricultural economic development will be achieved by means of realizing the high and stable yield in seed production. This paper summarizes the synthesis, classification, characteristics and function of HSPs. Furthermore, the roles of HSPs during the plant maturity, storage or germination are described in detail, and some researches of proteomics on HSPs are summarized. The applied progress utilized the proteomics to analysis the synthesis type and numbers of HSPs is provided during forage seed deterioration.