Abstract
To understand mechanisms of cell differentiation, monitoring single transformant cells is important. In the cases of xylem cells, however, it is difficult to employ such a strategy due to the complex structure of vascular tissues. We are planning to develop an analytical method by which molecular mechanisms of xylem cell differentiation can be addressed at the cellular level. We introduced foreign genes into isolated single cells in Zinnia xylogenic culture and examined their effects with regard to two differentiation-related aspects. First, the auxin responsiveness of particular cells was assessed by the transfer of a DR5 promoter-containing reporter gene. Second, we examined the expression patterns, protein product localization and function of a tracheary element-associated lipase gene using this system. We may also discuss results of the trial to quantify the amount of cellular fluorescence signals derived from transgene-encoded marker proteins.
