The effect of the gp gene on fruit development in Pisum sativum L.

Abstract

SUMMARYPhotosynthetic activity in the yellow pods of gp.gp lines has been compared with that in normal Gp.Gp pods. As expected from a previous structural study, the occurrence of aberrant plastids in the mesocarp resulted in reduced activity in the gp.gp lines.Illuminated green fruits, 5–16 d post‐anthesis showed net uptake of CO2, from the atmosphere. Positive carbon gain was extended until d 28 in deseeded pods. Conversely, in yellow (gp.gp) fruits no net uptake of CO2, from the atmosphere was observed at any stage, even in deseeded pods, but carbon losses in the light were restricted compared with those in the dark, indicating some photosynthetic activity.Analysis of the photosynthetic machinery within the yellow pods showed considerable differences in the effect of the gp gene on the mesocarp and endocarp layers. Compared with those of green pods, concentrations of RuBP carboxylase in the mesocarp were depressed, and the Hill reaction activity of isolated chloroplasts was virtually undetectable. However, in the parenchyma layer of the endocarp, RuBP carboxylase reached higher concentrations than in Gp.Gp pods, and Hill reaction rates were comparable. There was little difference between the lines in their PEP carboxylase concentrations in either tissue.