A low mol wt wheat protein composed of α1-, α2- and β-purothionins. Contains about 20% cystine, 10% arginine and 10% lysine. Isoln from unbleached patent flour: A. K. Balls, W. S. Hale, Cereal Chem. 17, 243 (1940); A. K. Balls et al., ibid. 19, 279 (1942). Inhibits the growth of bacteria and yeasts: L. S. Stuart, T. H. Harris, ibid. 288. Toxic effects in animals: E. J. Coulson et al., ibid. 301. Sepn and characterization of α- and β-purothionin: D. G. Redman, N. Fisher, J. Sci. Food Agric. 19, 651 (1968); C. C. Nimmo et al., ibid. 25, 607 (1974). Amino acid sequences of α1- and β-purothionin: S. Ohtani et al., Agric. Biol. Chem. 39, 2269 (1975); eidem, J. Biochem. 82, 753 (1977); of β-purothionin: A. S. Mak, B. L. Jones, Can. J. Chem. 54, 835 (1976); of α1 and α2-purothionin: B. L. Jones, A. S. Mak, Cereal Chem. 54, 511 (1977). Review: D. D. Kasarda et al., “Wheat Proteins” in Advances in Cereal Science and Technology vol. 1 (Am. Cereal Chem., St. Paul, 1976) pp 208-210.