Abstract
Zinc(Zn) is an essential element for all organisms. Zn deficiency is regarded as one of the most critical agricultural problems. In this study, we performed microarray analysis on Zn deficiency in rice, and investigated the mechanism of tolerance to Zn deficiency at the molecular level.
We identified a novel Zn transporter among genes induced by Zn deficiency. Microarray analysis and Northern blot analysis showed the expression of OsNAS3 and OsNAAT1 were up-regulated by Zn deficiency in shoots. The proteins encoded by these genes are supposed to be involved in translocation of Zn within the plant.
The genes encoding starch synthase and sugar transporter were up-regulated by Zn deficiency. Starch granules were observed in Zn-deficient roots and shoots. In addition, two genes encoding S-like RNase were up-regulated by Zn deficiency in shoots. These two genes are predicted to be inactive because of lacking histidine residues essential for RNase activity.
