Analysis of Embryo-Specific α-Amylase Using Isolated Mature Rice Embryos

Abstract

As a first step to clarify theα-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.