Location of chromosomal control of GA-induced enzyme release by distal half-grains of wheat

Abstract

The three enzymes, α-amylase, peroxidase, and acid phosphatase, are among those released by the aleurone of bread wheat, Triticum aestivum, as a direct response to gibberellins (GA) from the embryo during germination. Aneuploid genotypes are used to investigate the chromosomal location, nature, and extent of genetic control of the release of these enzymes in endosperms after induction by exogenous GA. Ditelosomics demonstrate the effect of removal of known chromosome arms, and tetrasomics show the effect of duplication of chromosome pairs. Quantitative analysis demonstrates complex control systems over and above those previously found using zymogram techniques. For α-amylase, chromosome arms with net promoter effects and chromosomes with net inhibitor effects were found. These effects were not chromosome-dosage responsive, unlike the promoter-inhibitor system found for acid phosphatase control. Peroxidase levels in the endosperms were generally high in both types of aneuploids. With one exception, all chromosomes showing involvement as ditelosomics showed a similar effect as tetrasomics, indicating that in the euploid a balanced state restricting, rather than promoting, peroxidase levels existed.