Amplification of the conserved regions in the MADS-box genes in the somaclones of maize

The method of direct amplification of genomic DNA with degenerated primers was used to compare the highly conserved regions of the MADS-box genes in m aize (Zea mays L.) inbred A188 and its two somaclonal variants. All amplico ns of the MADS-box sequence (exon 1) were of similar and predicted length. In the case of the K-box sequence (exons 5 to 5 and introns. 3 and 4) of th e agamous, agamouslike6, and apetala1 classes of the MADS-box genes, the pr oducts of genomic DNA and cDNA amplification varied in size due to differen t lengths of their introns. The spectra of amplified products corresponding to the MADS-box and K-box motifs did not differ in inbred A188 and two som aclones. It follows that no inserts into the conserved regions of the MADS- box genes were found to account for somaclonal variation in the architectur e of maize inflorescences.