Variation in Glutenin Protein Subunits of Wheat

Abstract

The high MW glutenin protein subunits (those with apparent MW in the range 80,000-140,000) of 98 wheat cultivars were examined using a discontinuous gel-electrophoresis system. The number of bands present in each cultivar ranged 3-5 and at least 34 different band patterns were observed. Examination of these patterns revealed that some bands, or band combinations, are mutually exclusive and that they can be assigned to 3 groups. In 1 group, 2 pairs of bands occur as alternatives and these bands are controlled by genes on chromosome 1D of wheat. In the 2nd group, 3 possibilities occur with cultivars possessing either one of 2 single bands or neither band. These patterns are controlled by a gene or genes on chromosome 1A. In the 3rd group 9 patterns occur, 4 consisting of single bands and 5 consisting of a pair of bands. Four of these 9 patterns are controlled by genes on chromosome 1B. The variation detected in the glutenin subunits is useful for cultivar identification, has a bearing on understanding wheat evolution, and raises questions concerning the nature of this variation.