MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF A PISTIL-SPECIFIC GENE EXPRESSED IN THE STIGMA AND STYLAR CORTEX OF SOLANUM-TUBEROSUM

A gene, sts14, coding for a highly expressed mRNA in pistils of Solanu m tuberosum, was isolated. Northern blot and in situ analyses demonstr ated that the gene was expressed throughout pistil development in both the stylar cortex and the stigma. The deduced STS14 protein displays similarity to the pathogenesis-related PR-1 proteins. A possible funct ion for protection or guidance of the pollen tubes through the pistil is discussed.