Abstract
We compared the accumulation pattern of iron-storage protein ferritin under iron-deficient conditions between two barley cultivars (L.cv.Ehimehadaka and Shirohadaka) which differ on iron-deficiency tolerance. Ehimehadaka is more tolerant to iron-deficiency than Shirohadaka.
In old leaves, the amount of ferritin protein increased under iron-deficient conditions in Ehimehadaka. The senescence of old leaves was accelerated by iron-deficient treatment. Ferritin protein accumulation associated with degradation of chlorophyll and iron-containing proteins. We presume that ferritin may function in iron detoxification, as already reported. In young leaves (chlorotic leaves), ferritin protein accumulation was observed in Ehimehadaka, but not in Shirohadaka. Now, we are investigating localization of iron in mesophyll cells. We will report the correlation of ferritin accumulation and iron localization, and discuss about their relationship to iron-deficiency tolerance in two barley cultivars.
