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Expression of the Acc1 Gene-Encoded Acetyl-Coenzyme A Carboxylase in Developing Maize (Zea mays L.) Kernels
D. A. Somers1, R. A. Keith, M. A. Egli
1Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics (D.A.S., R.A.K., M.A.E., L.C.M., B.G.G., D.L.W.), and Plant Molecular Genetics Institute (D.A.S., B.G.G.), University of Minnesota, and Plant Science Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (J.W.G.), St. Paul, Minnesota 55108.
Abstract:
A mutation (Acc1-S2) in the structural gene for maize (Zea mays L.) acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) that significantly reduces sethoxydim inhibition of leaf ACCase activity was used to investigate the gene-enzyme relationship regulating ACCase activity during oil deposition in developing kernels. Mutant embryo and endosperm ACCase activities were more than 600-fold less sensitive to sethoxydim inhibition than ACCase in wild-type kernel tissues. Moreover, in vitro cultured mutant kernels developed normally in the presence of sethoxydim concentrations that inhibited wild-type kernel development. The results indicate that the Acc1-encoded ACCase accounts for the majority of ACCase activity in developing maize kernels, suggesting that Acc1-encoded ACCase functions not only during membrane biogenesis in leaves but is also the predominant form of ACCase involved in storage lipid biosynthesis in maize embryos.