Differences in hydrolytic enzyme activity accompany natural variation in mature aleurone morphology in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

ABSTRACT: The aleurone is a critical component of the cereal seed and is located at the periphery of the starchy endosperm. During germination, the aleurone is responsible for releasing hydrolytic enzymes that degrade cell wall polysaccharides and starch granules, which is a key requirement for barley malt production. Inter- and intra-species differences in aleurone layer number have been identified in the cereals but the significance of this variation during seed development and germination remains unclear. In this study, natural variation in mature aleurone features was examined in a panel of 33 Hordeum vulgare (barley) genotypes. Differences were identified in the number of aleurone cell layers, the transverse thickness of the aleurone and the proportion of aleurone relative to starchy endosperm.

SUBMITTER: Aubert MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6056469 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature