Abstract
We report here the identification of a pollen-specific gene from Zea mays that contains multiple Ser-(Pro)n repeats, the motif found in the cell wall-associated extensins. Sequence analysis reveals that the encoded protein has a putative globular domain at the N terminus and an extensin-like domain at the C terminus. The Pex1 (pollen extensin-like) gene is expressed exclusively in pollen, not in vegetative or female tissues, and is not induced in leaves upon wounding. We propose that the encoded protein may have a role in reproduction, either as a structural element deposited in the pollen tube wall during its rapid growth or as a sexual recognition molecule that interacts with partner molecules in the pistil.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Base Sequence
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Blotting, Southern
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Cell Wall / chemistry
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Genes, Plant / genetics*
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Glycoproteins / chemistry
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Glycoproteins / genetics*
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Membrane Proteins*
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Multigene Family / genetics
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Plant Proteins / genetics*
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Pollen / chemistry
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Pollen / genetics*
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Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid / genetics
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Reproduction
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Restriction Mapping
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Sequence Analysis, DNA
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Tissue Distribution
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Zea mays / chemistry
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Zea mays / genetics*
Substances
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Glycoproteins
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Membrane Proteins
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Plant Proteins
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extensin protein, plant
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ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities
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PEX1 protein, human