Abstract
The most abundant proteins present in maize (Zea mays L.) embryos are saline-soluble globulins. AM r 45,000 globulin component, designated GLB2, is encoded by theGlb2 gene. A cDNA clone corresponding toGlb2 was used as radiolabeled probe to examine the expression ofGlb2 in developing embryos and other maize tissues.Glb2 transcripts accumulate during embryo development and are not detectable in germinating kernels.Glb2 transcripts are found only in the developing embryo, and not in endosperm, seedling, or unfertilized ears. Analysis of globulin profiles in embryos homozygous for either a previously described null allele,Glb2-0, or a novel null allele,Glb2-N1, revealed that these embryos lack not only the GLB2 protein but also globulins of lower molecular mass which may represent processed forms of GLB2. Southern blot analysis of DNA fromGlb2-0/0 andGlb2-N1/N1 plants in which aGlb2-specific clone is used as probe indicates that the two null alleles are genetically distinct.
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This contribution from the University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station was supported in part by U.S. Department of Agriculture Competitive Research Grants Office (No. 88-37262-3427) to A.L.K.
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Kriz, A.L., Wallace, N.H. Characterization of the maizeGlobulin-2 gene and analysis of two null alleles. Biochem Genet 29, 241–254 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00590104
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00590104