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

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.