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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Plant Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #146015
Title: ALLELIC VARIATION AND DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF METHIONINE-RICH DELTA-ZEINS IN MAIZE INBRED LINES B73 AND W23A1

Author
item KIM, WON-SEOK - UNIV OF MISSOURI
item Krishnan, Hari

Submitted to: Planta
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/5/2002
Publication Date: 5/1/2003
Citation: KIM, W., KRISHNAN, H.B. ALLELIC VARIATION AND DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF METHIONINE-RICH DELTA-ZEINS IN MAIZE INBRED LINES B73 AND W23A1. PLANTA. 2003. v. 217. p. 66-74.

Interpretive Summary: Soybean is a rich source of protein. Unfortunately, soybean proteins contain low amounts of two important amino acids, methionine and cysteine, that are vital for optimal growth of humans and animals. Therefore, attempts are being made to increase the amount of these two amino acids in soybean proteins. This study reports the cloning and characterization of a novel 11-kDa delta-zein from maize. This protein contains 22% methionine and is an ideal candidate for expression in soybean seeds. The information obtained from this basic study will help biotechnologists to genetically manipulate the overall quality of soybean seed proteins. Superior quality soy proteins can be utilized to meet the nutritional requirements of the multitude of malnourished people around the world.

Technical Abstract: Increasing public concerns over the enviromental effects of global warming have stimulated an interest in land use practices, such as agroforestry, which may promote greatersequestration of soil organic carbon. However, information on soil organic C and N distribution and accumulation in long-term temperate alley cropping practices is limited. The objective of this study was to examine spatial variability of soil organic C and N fractions in relation to tree rows in established alley cropping practices in north central Missouri. soils were collected to a depth of 30 cm from two sites, a 19-year old pecan (carya illinoinensis)bluegrass (Poa trivalis) intercrop (Pecan site) and an 11-year old silver maple (Acer saccharinum)/ soybean-corn rotation (Maple site). Soil sampling was done at the tree row and at the middle of the alley at each site, and in two seasons, fall 2001 and summer 2002. total organic C (TOC) was not significantly different at all depths in the tree row compared to the middle of the alley at Pecan site for both seasons. At Maple site, TOC was significantly higher only at the 30 cm depth at the tree row in 2001; no differences were observed at any depth in 2002. Particulate organic matter C for surface soil comprised 19-42% of TOC and was generally higher at the tree row than at the middle of the alley. soluble N was significantly higher at the tree row at Pecan site. No significant differences were observed for microbial biomass C and N at both sites. In general, consistent differences were not observed between the tree row and middle of the alley at either site. The results suggest that trees did not influence soil organic C and N levels that contrasted with alley soils sufficient to be detectable with the methods used in this study.