Analysis of embryo-specific α-amylase using isolated mature rice embryos

Abstract

As a first step to clarify the α-amylase production in embryos, preparation of mass-isolated rice embryos was established. Morphological and biochemical characterization of the mass-isolated embryos revealed that the embryos are viable and suitable for characterization of α - amylase production. Activity staining for α- amylase revealed that the production of RAmy1A-encoded protein (isoform A) is under hormonal control, but that of other isoforms including RAmy3D-encoded protein (isoforms G and H) are not. All isoforms were repressed by glucose. The physiological role of α-amylase produced in the embryos was discussed.