Physiological and biochemical characteristics of genetically modified winter wheat

Abstract

Aim. Analysis of physiological and biochemical characteristics of genetically modified wheat with partially suppressed activity of the proline dehydrogenase gene. Methods. Determination of proline dehydrogenase (PDH) activity, free L-proline (Pro); carbohydrate content (sucrose and fructose). Results. It was established that under conditions of water deficit in genetically modified wheat plants with integrated elements forming the double-stranded RNA suppressor of the pdh gene, there is a partial inhibition of the enzyme activity and an increase in the content of free proline. Changes in carbohydrate metabolism under water deficit stress and in the first hours after rehydration were noted, while the sucrose / fructose ratio in control plants significantly decreases during dehydration and normalizes when water supply is restored, in genetically modified plants this indicator almost does not change under short-term water deficit stress. Conclusions. Partial suppression of the proline dehydrogenase gene leads to an increase in the free proline content, the fluctuations of which contribute to the maintenance of carbohydrate balance.