Prediction of germ‐line transformation events in chimeric Ro transgenic soybean plantlets using tissue‐specific expression patterns

Abstract

Chimeric soybean plants derived from electric discharge particle acceleration experiments were used to develop relationships between tissue‐specific expression patterns of a marker gene and germ‐line transformation events in Ro plants. Using the GUS histochemical assay the likelihood of germ‐line transformation was correlated to the localization of enzyme activity in specific tissues of the parent plant. The expression patterns of the 35S‐GUS marker gene in specific tissue types in Ro plants and correlation with transmission of the introduced gene to progeny allowed the production of a clear picture of the development of these plants and their germ‐line cells. Advances reported in this article resulted in the development of a commercial process for the genetic improvement of this important staple crop which until recently was very recalcitrant to conventional transformation methods. Copyright © 1992, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved