Transient gene expression after electroporation of protoplasts derived from embryogenic maize callus

Protoplasts isolated from embryogenic callus cultures derived from immature embryos ofZea mays L. are suitable for analysis of transient gene expression using electroporation-mediated DNA transfer. Expression of introduced genes is comparable to the levels obtained with protoplasts from Black Mexican Sweet suspension cultures. Two different promoters, that directing synthesis of the 35S RNA of cauliflower mosaic virus and the maizeAdh1 promoter were placed in front of the luciferase reporter gene to assess protoplast gene expression and the impact of an intron on expression level.