Independent Regulatory Aspects and Posttranslational Modifications of Two beta-Amylases of Rye : Use of a Mutant...

We have examined the occurrence/disappearance, tissue location, and posttranslational modification of beta-amylase proteins in rye (Secale cereale L.) kernels at three physiological stages (development, maturity, germination) with a normal inbred line and a mutant line exhibiting a high but incomplete beta-amylase deficiency. This deficiency corresponds to a lack of accumulation of beta-amylase activity in the endosperm and does not affect the level of activity in the outer pericarp and green tissues as compared to the normal line. Two antigenically related but distinct beta-amylases (I and II) were detected in the normal line (II being the major constituent) and only one (I) in the mutant line. I and II display very similar electrophoretic polymorphism. In both lines, I appears to be ubiquitous, although it disappears from the outer pericarp during ripening. Antigen II was present only in the normal line and appears to be specific for the endosperm and perhaps for the maternal green tissues of the seed. Posttranslational modifications occurring during germination, which are mimicked by the action of papain, affect II but not I. The two groups of beta-amylases are discussed in relation to recent reports indicating the presence of two types of beta-amylase with different functions and gene loci in barley and wheat.