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Pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase gene expression in developing wheat seeds
K Aoyagi1, J A Bassham, F C Greene
1Laboratory of Chemical Biodynamics, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720.
Plant Physiology
|June 1, 1984
Summary
Wheat grain development involves pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) protein and mRNA levels that correlate with gene expression. PPDK
Area of Science:
- Plant biochemistry
- Molecular biology
- Wheat genetics
Background:
- Pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) is crucial for carbon metabolism in plants.
- Understanding PPDK's role in wheat seed development is key to improving crop yield.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify PPDK protein and mRNA levels during wheat grain development.
- To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of PPDK gene expression in developing wheat seeds.
Main Methods:
- Protein blot analysis to determine PPDK protein levels.
- In vitro translation and immunoprecipitation to assess PPDK mRNA levels.
- Tissue-specific localization of PPDK within wheat seeds.
Main Results:
- PPDK protein and mRNA levels varied similarly during wheat grain development.
- PPDK gene expression is regulated by mRNA levels.
- PPDK is present in both endosperm and pericarp tissues.
- Peak PPDK levels occur later than chlorophyll and RuBisCO levels.
Conclusions:
- PPDK plays a significant role in providing phosphoenolpyruvate for CO(2) recapture and amino acid synthesis during wheat seed development.
- The regulation of PPDK expression is primarily at the mRNA level.
