VARIATIONS IN THE DNA METHYLATION AND POLYPEPTIDE PATTERNS OF ADULT HAZEL (CORYLUS-AVELLANA L) ASSOCIATED WITH SEQUENTIAL IN-VITRO SUBCULTURES

The polypeptide and DNA methylation patterns of leaves from adult haze l trees maintained by sequential in vitro subcultures were analyzed, Q ualitative and quantitative variations were found in the in vitro tiss ues as compared to both adult and juvenile forms, From the comparisons between different tree sources it may be concluded that hazel trees u nder in vitro conditions show specific biochemical and molecular patte rns. The specificity of the induced changes could be a prerequisite re lated to the higher morphogenic potential of adult plants when they ar e subjected to sequential in vitro subcultures.