Abstract
Mugineic acid family phytosiderophores (MAs) are metal chelators biosynthesized in graminaceous plants, and NA, a chelator of metals, is ubiquitously present in higher plants. Deoxymugineic acid (DMA) is a ferric iron chelator found only in graminaceous plants and is produced from NA in two steps catalyzed by nicotianamine aminotransferase (NAAT) and DMA synthase (DMAS).
In this study, we investigated the gene expressions of OsYSL2, a transporter of Fe(II)-NA and Mn(II)-NA, OsYSL15, a Fe(III)-DMA transporter, and OsIRT1, Fe(II) transporter in inflorescences and seeds of rice plant using the reporter gene (GUS) to illuminate the role of NA and MAs at reproductive stage in monocot. Transport of metals, NA, and DMA was investigated in inflorescences and seeds of rice using radioisotope. The concentrations of metals, NA and DMA were determined in mature seeds. The results indicated that NA and MAs play a critical role in metal translocation to seeds.
