ibclogo XVI International Botanical Congess


Abstract Number: 4729
Poster No. = 1871


SELECTION FOR EF1-A INCREASES THE LYSINE CONTENT OF MAIZE ENDOSPERM.


X. Wang, P. Hughes, J. López-Valenzuela and B. A. Larkin, Dept. of Plant Sciences, Univ. of Arizona 85721


The lysine content of maize endosperm can be increased by the opaque2 (o2) mutation, which reduces prolamin synthesis and increases lysine-containing proteins. We showed that eEF-1A is increased in o2, furthermore, its concentration is correlated (r= 0.9) with lysine content. To understand the basis of this relationship and determine if eEF-1A content is heritable, we analyzed progeny from crosses of high and low eEF-1A genotypes. Continuous segregation was observed in the F2, suggesting multiple loci regulate this trait. eEF-1A is encoded by 12 genes, four are expressed in endosperm and two account for 75% of the transcripts. We identified three forms of eEF-1A protein in endosperm tissue, and we are purifying them to determine if specific isoforms are increased in o2.


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