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Variations in endopolyploidy level during the short period of the early growing stage in the roots and leaves of maize (Zea mays) seedlings

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Abstract

We used a flow cytometer to investigate the variations in endopolyploidy (the frequencies of nuclei with DNA contents equivalent to 4C through 16C) during the short period of the early growing stage in vigorously growing young tissues of maize seedlings. We examined different portions of the root and leaves that had been growing for 7 (day 7) and 13 (day 13) days after germination. Endoreplication showed two opposing phenomena without aging. In one case, the endopolyploidy of the first leaf was higher on day 13 than on day 7. In the latter case, endopolyploidy decreased, as clearly revealed by a comparison of the endopolyploidy of the second leaves and the 160–170 mm portion of the seminal root on days 7 and 13. Endopolyploidy was also lower in the top of the leaf. In roots, endopolyploidy was increased by the exogenous application of abscisic acid for only 1 day. The levels of endopolyploidy increased without an increase in cell size in the roots. These results showed that endoreplication occurs in actively growing and young tissue and that the variation can be induced in the short period examined.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Production, Akita Prefectural University, Shimoshinjyou-nakano 241-438, Akita, 010-0195, Japan

    Atsushi Ogawa, Nanako Taguchi & Kazumitsu Miyoshi

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  1. Atsushi Ogawa
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  2. Nanako Taguchi
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  3. Kazumitsu Miyoshi
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Correspondence to Atsushi Ogawa.

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Ogawa, A., Taguchi, N. & Miyoshi, K. Variations in endopolyploidy level during the short period of the early growing stage in the roots and leaves of maize (Zea mays) seedlings. Plant Biotechnol Rep 4, 117–123 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11816-010-0127-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11816-010-0127-2

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