Abstract:

In order to investigate the changes and the characteristics of proteins during somatic embryogenesis of Xanthoceras sorbifolia, two-dimensional electrophoresis was used to study the changes of protein expression at different development stages of somatic embryogenesis, such as non-embryogenic callus (NEC), embryogenic callus (EC), globular embryoid, torpedo embryoid, cotyledonary embryoid and regenerated plant which were obtained from seed embryos of X. sorbifolia. The results showed that the protein components were the fewest in NEC, and increased gradually during somatic embryogenesis. The protein components decreased when the plant was being regenerated. Particular proteins spots of pI/MW (molecular weight) were found at the different development stages. Particular proteins spots of pI / MW could be the characteristic protein for the particular stage. Protein spot of 23.0 ku (pI 6.9) was observed at the EC developing stage. Protein spot of 27.1 ku (pI 7.5) was observed at the torpedo embryoid developing stage. Protein spot of 25.1 ku (pI 6.6) and 26.2 ku (pI 6.6) were observed at the cotyledonary embryoid developing stage. Protein spot of 23.2 ku (pI 9.5) was observed at the regenerated plant developing stage.

Key words: Xanthoceras sorbifolia, somatic embryogenesis, protein, 2-D electrophoresis