Esterase isozymes in rye - characterization, genetic control and chromosomal location

Area of Science:

• Plant genetics
• Molecular biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Wheat-rye addition lines are valuable tools for gene mapping and understanding intergeneric chromosome relationships.
• Esterase isozymes serve as genetic markers for identifying and characterizing chromosomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the zymogram phenotypes of esterase isozymes in specific wheat-rye addition lines.
• To map the loci controlling rye esterase isozymes to specific rye chromosomes.
• To investigate chromosome homoeology between wheat and rye.

Main Methods:

• Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was used to analyze esterase isozyme patterns.
• Analyses were conducted on various plant tissues: embryo plus scutellum, endosperm, leaves, and roots.
• Zymogram phenotypes were compared across different wheat-rye addition lines and tissues.

Main Results:

• Distinct esterase zymogram patterns were observed in embryo plus scutellum, endosperm, and leaf tissues.
• Leaf and root esterase patterns were identical.
• Rye esterases were found to exist as monomers and dimers.
• Dimeric esterases are controlled by a single locus on chromosome 3R.
• Five loci for monomeric esterases were mapped to chromosome 6R, with one specifically on the long arm of the 'King II' 6R chromosome.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully mapped esterase isozyme loci to specific rye chromosomes (3R and 6R).
• These findings contribute to the understanding of chromosome homoeology and homology between wheat and rye.
• The identified esterase markers can be utilized in future genetic studies of wheat-rye introgression and breeding programs.