Developmental expression of sunflower 11S storage protein genes
R D Allen1, C L Nessler, T L Thomas
1Department of Biology, Texas A & M University, 77843, College Station, TX, U.S.A..
Plant Molecular Biology
|December 6, 2013
Summary
Sunflower seed development involves helianthinin, a major storage protein. Its synthesis and mRNA levels peak during embryogenesis, indicating precise regulation of protein accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Helianthinin is the primary globulin storage protein in sunflower seeds.
- Understanding its synthesis is key to comprehending seed development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the accumulation of helianthinin during sunflower embryo development.
- To identify and characterize the helianthinin mRNA transcript.
Main Methods:
- Utilized antiserum against purified helianthinin for immunolocalization studies.
- Constructed a sunflower embryo cDNA expression library in bacteriophage λ gt11.
- Employed RNA gel blot and dot blot analyses with a specific cDNA probe.
Main Results:
- Helianthinin synthesis begins at 7 days after anthesis (DAA) and peaks by 19 DAA.
- Helianthinin mRNA is detected at 7 DAA, reaching maximum levels at 12 DAA.
- mRNA levels decline after 12 DAA, and are undetectable in mature seeds or seedlings.
Conclusions:
- Helianthinin accumulation is tightly regulated by its mRNA levels during a specific phase of embryogenesis.
- The synthesis of this major 11S sunflower seed storage protein is developmentally programmed.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Gene Regulation During Sporulation
713
Sporulation is a complex developmental process that allows certain Gram-positive bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium species, to survive extreme environmental conditions. This process is tightly regulated by a series of signaling cascades and transcriptional controls, ensuring the formation of a highly resistant endospore.Sporulation is triggered by unfavorable conditions, such as nutrient depletion, and is governed by a phosphorelay system. One of the sensor kinases, such as...
713
02:50Transgenic Plants
7.0K
Recombinant DNA technology called transgenesis is often used to add a foreign gene or remove a detrimental gene from an organism. Such genetically modified organisms are called transgenic organisms.
The first-ever transgenic plant was a tobacco plant developed in 1983 that showed resistance against the tobacco mosaic virus. Since then, many transgenic plants have been developed and commercialized for improving the agricultural, ornamental, and horticultural value of a crop plant. Transgenic...
The first-ever transgenic plant was a tobacco plant developed in 1983 that showed resistance against the tobacco mosaic virus. Since then, many transgenic plants have been developed and commercialized for improving the agricultural, ornamental, and horticultural value of a crop plant. Transgenic...
7.0K
02:33Seed Structure and Early Development of the Sporophyte
27.7K
Seed structures are composed of a protective seed coat surrounding a plant embryo, and a food store for the developing embryo. The embryo contains the precursor tissues for leaves, stem, and roots. The endosperm and cotyledons—seed leaves—act as the food reserves for the growing embryo.
27.7K