Isolation and characterization of a diverse set of genes from carrot somatic embryos

The early events in plant embryogenesis are critical for pattern formation, since it is during this process that the primary apical meristems and the embryo polarity axis are established. However, little is known about the molecular events that are unique to the early stages of embryogenesis. This study of gene expression during plant embryogenesis is focused on identifying molecular markers from carrot (Daucus carota) somatic embryos and characterizing the expression and regulation of these genes through embryo development. A cDNA library, prepared from polysomal mRNA of globular embryos, was screened using a subtracted probe; 49 clones were isolated and preliminarily characterized. Sequence analysis revealed a large set of genes, including many new genes, that are expressed in a variety of patterns during embryogenesis and may be regulated by different molecular mechanisms. To our knowledge, this group of clones represents the largest collection of embryo-enhanced genes isolated thus far, and demonstrates the utility of the subtracted-probe approach to the somatic embryo system. It is anticipated that many of these genes may serve as useful molecular markers for early embryo development.