Phytohormone-regulated beta-amylase gene expression in rice.
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Abstract
The expression of beta-amylase genes in rice (Oryza sativa) and its regulation by phytohormones gibberellic acid (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) were examined. Upon germination beta-amylase is synthesized de novo in aleurone cells and (GA) is not required. Exogenous addition of GA does not enhance the beta-amylase activity, while ABA inhibits the beta-amylase activity, mRNA accumulation, and the germination of rice seeds. GA can reverse ABA inhibition of beta-amylase expression, but not ABA inhibition of seed germination. Such regulation represents a new interaction of ABA and GA.