DNA homologues in some species and expression patterns in cucumber organs of genes corresponding to cDNAs from carrot somatic embryogenesis cultures

Abstract

The presence of DNA homologues in eight species and the expression patterns in nine cucumber organs of genes corresponding to six cDNAs from carrot somatic embryogenesis cultures were investigated by non-radioactive DNA labeling and detection techniques. DNA homologues corresponding to the six cDNAs were detected by Southern dot blot hybridization in carrot ( Daucus carota ), celery ( Apium graveolens ), Chinese ivy ( Hedera helix ), cucumber ( Cucumis sativa ), green pepper ( Capsicum annuum ), Japanese morning glory ( Pharbitis nil choisy ), soybean ( Glycine max ), and wheat ( Triticum aestivum ). The genes corresponding to these cDNAs were highly expressed in cucumber embryos, roots and hypocotyls of germinating seeds and not expressed or undetectable in developing leaves, stems, and female flowers of mature cucumber plants. Transcripts corresponding to some of the cDNAs were detected in male flowers, developing fruits, and dry seed embryos of cucumber. These data indicate that DNA sequences corresponding to the six cDNAs may be conserved in the eight species, and expression of these genes in cucumber plants is developmentally regulated.