Discovery of novel transcripts and gametophytic functions via RNA-seq analysis of maize gametophytic transcriptomes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Plant gametophytes play central roles in sexual reproduction. A hallmark of the plant life cycle is that gene expression is required in the haploid gametophytes. Consequently, many mutant phenotypes are expressed in this phase.

Results

We perform a quantitative RNA-seq analysis of embryo sacs, comparator ovules with the embryo sacs removed, mature pollen, and seedlings to assist the identification of gametophyte functions in maize. Expression levels were determined for annotated genes in both gametophytes, and novel transcripts were identified from de novo assembly of RNA-seq reads. Transposon-related transcripts are present in high levels in both gametophytes, suggesting a connection between gamete production and transposon expression in maize not previously iden

SUBMITTER: Chettoor AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4309534 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature