Biochemical features of opaque-2 gene expression in the tetraploid maize grains

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to study the expression of the opaque-2 (o2) gene in the tetraploid genome of maize by the biochemical characteristics determining the protein quality and the nutritional value of grains. Diploid and tetraploid populations of maize containing the o2 gene, created at the State Agrarian University of Moldova, were used as research objects. Tetraploids showed an increase in the content of "lysine in the protein" of the endosperm by 7- 12%. Several populations were identified, which combine a high level of accumulation of protein and lysine in the dry matter of grain and the content of "lysine in protein". The biochemical parameters determining the nutritional and energy value of corn grain did not change significantly. The obtained tetraploid forms of maize with the o2 gene can be recommended as models for a more in-depth study of the expression of monogenic mutations in the polyploid genome.