The location of (1-3)-beta-glucan in the nucellar projection and in the vascular tissue of the crease in developing barley grain using a (1-3)-beta-glucan-specific monoclonal antibody
B. Asthir et al., The location of (1-3)-beta-glucan in the nucellar projection and in the vascular tissue of the crease in developing barley grain using a (1-3)-beta-glucan-specific monoclonal antibody, PLANTA, 214(1), 2001, pp. 85-88
Immunocytochemical localization of the (1-3)-beta -glucan, callose, in deve
loping barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain was investigated using a specific
monoclonal antibody and observed by means of confocal laser-scanning micros
copy. The nucellar projection (NP) and vascular tissue (VT) of the crease c
ells were specifically labelled by this antibody at all stages of grain dev
elopment. Maximum intensity of label was found in the NP at 12-15 days post
anthesis; thereafter, label was localized in the VT of the crease. The loc
ation of (1-3)-beta -glucan in the NP and VT of the crease was also monitor
ed by means of aniline blue-induced fluorescence of callose. The results ob
tained using both methods were found to be similar. The possible significan
ce of the presence of callose in these tissues is discussed in relation to
the uptake of assimilates into the developing grain.