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Visualization of starch-synthase expression by in situ hybridization during pollen development
A Olmedilla1, J A Schrauwen, G J Wullems
1Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, C.S.I.C. Velázquez 144, E-28006, Madrid, Spain.
Planta
|November 7, 2013
Summary
Starch-synthase gene expression in tobacco pollen occurs in gametophytic cells. Its mRNA levels vary during pollen development, indicating gene regulation throughout this process.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Gene expression analysis
- Pollen development
Background:
- Starch synthase is crucial for starch biosynthesis in plants.
- Understanding gene regulation during pollen development is key for plant reproduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of the starch-synthase gene during tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) pollen development.
- To determine the cellular localization and temporal regulation of starch-synthase mRNA.
Main Methods:
- In situ RNA hybridization was used to detect starch-synthase mRNA localization.
- Northern blot analysis identified homologous potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) gene for probe synthesis.
- (35)S-labeled RNA probes were synthesized and used for hybridization.
Main Results:
- Starch-synthase mRNA was detected starting at the tetrad stage of pollen development.
- mRNA was absent in unicellular pollen grains but reappeared in binucleate and mature pollen grains.
- Expression was localized to gametophytic cells, with varying mRNA accumulation levels.
Conclusions:
- The starch-synthase gene is expressed in the gametophytic cells of developing tobacco pollen.
- Temporal regulation of starch-synthase gene expression occurs throughout pollen development.
- These findings contribute to understanding molecular mechanisms underlying pollen development and starch synthesis.
