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Studies of sugars and sorbitol in developing corn kernels.

J R Shaw1, D B Dickinson

  • 1Department of Horticulture, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801-4777.

Plant Physiology
|May 1, 1984
PubMed
Summary

Sorbitol accumulates in developing corn kernels, peaking during starch synthesis. Unlike in some plants, sorbitol is not translocated from corn leaves, suggesting unique sugar metabolism in maize.

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Area of Science:

  • Plant Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Agricultural Science

Background:

  • Sugars and sugar alcohols like sorbitol play crucial roles in plant development and metabolism.
  • Corn (Zea mays L.) kernel development involves complex carbohydrate synthesis and accumulation.
  • Genetic variations in corn, such as sugary (su) and sugary-enhancer (su se) mutants, affect kernel composition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the accumulation patterns of sugars and sorbitol in corn kernels during development across different genetic backgrounds.
  • To determine the translocation of sorbitol from corn leaves to kernels using radiolabeling techniques.
  • To compare sorbitol and sugar profiles in wild-type (starchy) and mutant corn cultivars.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of sugars and sorbitol in corn kernels (Zea mays L.) at various developmental stages using sugary (su), sugary-sugary enhancer (su se), and starchy (Su) cultivars.
  • Application of (14)C-labeled carbon dioxide ((14)CO(2)) to flag leaves to trace photosynthate translocation.
  • Detection and quantification of labeled and unlabeled compounds using gas chromatography and radioactivity measurements.

Main Results:

  • Sorbitol content increased from ovule development to a maximum during rapid starch synthesis, then decreased towards maturity in all cultivars.
  • The su se kernels exhibited higher sorbitol, sucrose, and maltose levels compared to other cultivars from specific developmental points post-pollination.
  • Radiolabeling experiments confirmed that [(14)C]sucrose, not [(14)C]sorbitol, was the primary translocated photosynthate to the kernels and ear shank.

Conclusions:

  • Sorbitol is synthesized and accumulates within corn kernels during development but is not significantly translocated from the leaves.
  • The altered sugar profiles in su se mutants suggest a potential link between reduced starch synthesis and modified carbohydrate metabolism.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms underlying sorbitol accumulation and its relationship with starch synthesis in corn.

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