A PCR-based forward genetics screening, using expression domain-specific markers, identifies mutants in endosperm transfer cell development.

ABSTRACT: Mutant collections are an invaluable source of material on which forward genetic approaches allow the identification of genes affecting a wide variety of biological processes. However, some particular developmental stages and morphological structures may resist analysis due to their physical inaccessibility or to deleterious effects associated to their modification. Furthermore, lethal mutations acting early in development may escape detection. We have approached the characterization of 101 maize seed mutants, selected from a collection of 27,500 visually screened Mu-insertion lines, using a molecular marker approach based on a set of genes previously ascribed to different tissue compartments within the early developing kernel. A streamlined combination of qRT-PCR assays has allowed us to

SUBMITTER: Muniz LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4009440 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature