Molecular diversity and differential expression of starch-synthesis genes in developing kernels of three maize inbreds.

The maize genome remains abundant in molecular diversity, and the rich genetic diversity of maize starch-synthesis genes is crucial for controlling various grain traits. To explore the unique mechanism controlling the advantageous waxy trait and characterize the molecular feature of genes relevant to starch composition in two elite waxy inbreds, expression profiling combined with gene organization analysis was performed in them as compared to one normal inbred. Genotype-specific expression patterns were observed for most genes studied.

[Chinese waxy elites SW70 and SW22 are revealed to be new multimutants of starch-synthesis enzyme coding genes].

Waxy maize (wx) is a type of spontaneous starch mutant as compared to wild type foodstuff maize (Wx). The mechanisms underlying waxy maize kernel development are intricate and diversified. Here we characterized the expression of 21 genes belonging to four families, i.