Expression and distribution of cytosolic 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase isozymes in maize

Maize (Zea mays L.) cytosolic 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase isozymes (EC 1.1.1.44; 6-PGD) are encoded by unlinked loci Pgd1 and Pgd2. Two families from a Robertson's Mutator line were isolated which have no detectable expression of Pgd2. These Pgd2-null mutants and a Pgd1-null line were used to generate plants homozygous for null alleles at both cytosolic 6-PGD loci. The specific activity of 6-PGD in the double-null mutant was between 20 and 30% of wild-type levels in root extracts. The double-null mutant was reproductively viable in a moderate environment, suggesting that wild-type levels of cytosolic 6-PGD activity are not essential for growth. Isozyme dimer ratios in roots, leaves, and scutellum were binomial and reflected the wild-type gene copy number. 6-PGD isozymes showed tissue- and cell type-specific expression.