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The AHAS gene of Cichorium intybus is expressed in fast growing and inflorescential organs
Author(s) -
Degrande Delphine,
Dewaele Eric,
Rambour Serge
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
physiologia plantarum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.351
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1399-3054
pISSN - 0031-9317
DOI - 10.1034/j.1399-3054.2000.110212.x
Subject(s) - cichorium , taproot , enzyme , biology , enzyme assay , botany , etiolation , biochemistry
Expression of acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS, EC 4.1.3.18) was analysed in biennial chicory ( Cichorium intybus L. cv. Witloof) by northern blot analysis and enzyme assays. Young plantlets displayed high enzyme activity and AHAS mRNA accumulation in the root and the young leaves. Conversely, both enzyme activity and AHAS mRNA were undetectable in the mature tuberous taproot produced at the end of the first year. When such a taproot is grown in darkness, it develops an etiolated bud (the chicon) in which enzyme activity and AHAS mRNA are located in the neoformed lateral roots and the youngest central leaves. When this root is grown in the light, it produces a floral stem with many capitules. AHAS activities as well as AHAS mRNA were at the highest in capitules bearing developing seeds. However, AHAS seems strongly expressed in the young and developing tissues which need amino acids for protein synthesis and tightly associated to carbon influx whenever it is provided by photosynthesis or fructan remobilization.