Recent data on the structure and chemical modification of the two main storage proteins of rapeseed, the high-molecular mass 12 S globulin and the low-molecular mass 2 S protein (napin) are summarized and compared with those of related seed proteins. The 12 S globulin is built up of six subunits forming a quaternary structure which can be approximated by the model of a trigonal antiprism. The subunits, composed of a larger and a smaller polypeptide chain each, have a two-domain structure which is typical for all related plant proteins. These are characterized by a sedimentation coefficient of 11-13 S, a molecular mass of 300,000-360,000 g/mol and a high percentage of beta-sheet conformation. Increasing succinylation results in a step-by-step dissociation up to the subunits and to an unfolding of the latter at a critical level of modification amounting to 60-70%. These structural changes affect the functional properties remarkably. The napin fraction comprises a group of closely related and highly basic proteins with molecular masses of 12,000-14,000 g/mol, a high content of sulphur-containing amino acids and rich in helical conformation. They are built up of a larger and a smaller disulphide bridged polypeptide chain. Acylation does not abolish the secondary or tertiary structure which are stabilized by inter- and intrachain disulphide bonds. Acylation results, however, in a stabilization of the protein against heat-induced aggregation.