ISSN:
1573-5044
Keywords:
cell cycle
;
DNA content
;
embryogenic competence
;
flow cytometry
;
mitotic activity
;
somatic embryogenesis
;
Zea mays
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Embryogenic competence of maize (Zea mays L.) leaf tissues was studied with regard to leaf age, distance from leaf base, mitotic activity, 2C nuclear DNA content, and the distribution of cells within the cell cycle. The highest embryogenic competence was observed in the first segment of the second innermost leaf. In a succession of 8 mm segments from the leaf base, the frequency of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle and mitotic activity decreased with leaf age and with the distance from leaf base. No significant differences in 2C nuclear DNA content were found for leaf segments of different age and position. The mean 2C nuclear DNA content was 5.74 pg. The results suggested that the loss of embryogenic competence in mature maize leaf tissues is not related to changes in nuclear DNA content, and that the competence is not simply related to a certain distribution of cells within the cell cycle or to a certain level of mitotic activity.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00036227
