The anaerobic proteins of maize

Martin M. Sachs, Michael Freeling, Ronald Okimoto

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Anaerobic treatment drastically alters the pattern of protein synthesized by maize primary roots. During the first hour of anaerobiosis, aerobic protein synthesis is halted and there is an increase in the synthesis of a class of polypeptides with approximate molecular weights of 33,000 daltons. During the second hour of anaerobic treatment, the synthesis of another small group of polypeptides is initiated. This group, the anaerobic polypeptides (ANPs), accounts for 〉70% of total protein synthesis after 5 hr of anaerobiosis, and is synthesized in basically the same ratio until root death (∼70 hr). The alcohol dehydrogenase polypeptides are major ANPs. RNA isolated from roots treated anaerobically for at least 24 hr directs the translation of only the anaerobic polypeptides. However, RNA from roots treated anaerobically for only 5 hr directs translation of both anaerobic and aerobic polypeptides. Thus an early response to anaerobic treatment is the suppression of aerobic message translation. Although the anaerobic polypeptides share a formal similarity to heat-shock proteins in animals, it is probable that the anaerobic genes are an adaptation to flooding.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)761-767
Number of pages7
JournalCell
Volume20
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1980
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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