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Related Experiment Videos

Mitochondrial biogenesis during germination in maize embryos.

D C Logan1, A H Millar, L J Sweetlove

  • 1Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RB, United Kingdom. dcl1@st-andrews.ac.uk

Plant Physiology
|February 13, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Mitochondria in dry maize seeds are underdeveloped but mature during germination. A heavy fraction of mitochondria develops functional characteristics, while a light fraction does not.

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Area of Science:

  • Plant Physiology
  • Mitochondrial Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism are crucial for seed germination.
  • Understanding these processes in maize (Zea mays) is key to agricultural productivity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism during maize seed germination.
  • To characterize distinct mitochondrial subpopulations and their roles in germination.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed mitochondrial respiration (NADH- and succinate-dependent O2 uptake).
  • Measured activities of key tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes.
  • Analyzed protein abundance using western blotting.
  • Examined mitochondrial structure via electron microscopy.

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  • Fractionated mitochondria using sucrose density gradient centrifugation.

    • Main Results:

    • Dry seed mitochondria showed low O2 uptake and TCA cycle enzyme activity, correlating with reduced protein levels.
    • Mitochondria in dry seeds had poorly developed internal membranes and few cristae.
    • Two mitochondrial subpopulations were identified: a light fraction (22%-28% Suc) and a heavy fraction (37%-42% Suc).
    • During germination, the heavy mitochondrial fraction acquired functional characteristics (structure, enzyme activity, protein complement).
    • The light mitochondrial fraction showed no significant structural changes and decreased protein amounts during germination.

    Conclusions:

    • Maize seed germination involves the progressive development of functional mitochondria.
    • A distinct, heavy mitochondrial subpopulation is responsible for acquiring functional characteristics during imbibition.
    • The light mitochondrial subpopulation appears to degrade or remain non-functional during germination.