ORGAN-SPECIFIC EXPRESSION OF THE STRESS-RELATED ANIONIC PEROXIDASES IN CUCUMBER FLOWERS

The study revealed a marked qualitative and quantitative differences i n the pattern of expression of three stress-related cucumber (Cucumis sativus L., cv. Laura) isoperoxidases. Activity staining, as well as t he protein gel blot (Western blotting) confirmed that the proteins stu died are differentially expressed in both male and female sepals, in m ale but not in female pedicels and in pistil. By using antibodies spec ific to three stress-related peroxidases, one serologically related pi stil-specific anionic peroxidase was detected. This specific band had never been observed in other newer organs. Differential appearance of the stress-related peroxidase isoenzymes in both male and female flowe rs demonstrates that these proteins are developmentally regulated, sho wing an organ-specific expression.