The Journal of Heredity 1985:76(4):301-302
© 1985 The American Genetic Association 76:301-302
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Mutant gene in sorghum causing leaf "reddening" and increased protein concentration in the grain
The authors are, respectively, assistant professor, and professor of agronomy, Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN 47907. Contribution from the Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station, West Lafayette, IN 47907. Journal paper no. 10019.
Abstract
In a diethylsulfate (DES) treated population of sorghum mutants, a family of plants with a heritable red-leaf characteristic was identified. Seed from this red-leaf mutant (#5279) contain a high protein concentration ranging from 20–28 percent. This red leaf mutant is inherited as a single recessive gene. Chemical analysis of kernels harvested from normal and red-leaf mutant plants segregating in an F2 generation of the cross [PP14 (MS3) x 5279] showed that the red-leaf mutation is responsible for the high protein concentration in the grain. Two possible explanations for the genetic mechanism involved in the increased concentration of protein in the grain from red leaf mutant, 5279, are: 1) the mutation resulted in an interruption of chloroplast protein synthesis in the leaves and the excess free amino acid pool was then transported into the grain resulting in higher than normal protein concentration; or 2) the mutation altered the normal partitioning of the available amino acid pool in favor of the grain protein over the leaf pigment proteins.