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Maturation proteins associated with desiccation tolerance in soybean
S A Blackman1, S H Wettlaufer, R L Obendorf
1Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, New York 14853.
Plant Physiology
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Late embryogenesis abundant (Lea) proteins may protect soybean seeds from drying. Maturation proteins, similar to Lea proteins, correlated with desiccation tolerance, suggesting a protective role.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Seed Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Late embryogenesis abundant (Lea) proteins are hypothesized to protect mature seeds from desiccation.
- Soybean (Glycine max L. Chippewa) seeds' desiccation tolerance is crucial for survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between Lea-like protein presence and desiccation tolerance in soybean seeds.
- To identify and characterize proteins associated with seed maturation and desiccation tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Proteomic analysis of soybean seed axes during development and germination.
- Correlation analysis of protein levels with desiccation tolerance.
- Treatment with abscisic acid and polyethylene glycol during imbibition.
Main Results:
- Proteins distinct from storage proteins, termed "maturation" proteins, were identified with temporal expression patterns similar to Lea proteins.
- Maturation protein levels strongly correlated with desiccation tolerance in developing and germinating seeds.
- Abscisic acid and polyethylene glycol treatments delayed the loss of maturation proteins and desiccation tolerance during imbibition.
Conclusions:
- Maturation proteins likely contribute to soybean seed desiccation tolerance.
- These proteins may not be sufficient on their own to confer complete desiccation tolerance.