Relative DNA content in isogenic lines of maize in their own cytoplasm and in annual teosinte cytoplasm

Microspectrophotometric measurements of DNA were made in the interphase nucleus of root-tip cells and interphase nucleus of tapetum cells in isogenic lines of maize (Zea mays L. genotype), in different cytoplasms (Zea mays L. and Euchlaena mexicana Schrad. cytoplasms). For the interphase nucleus of root-tip cells, Zea mays genotype in its own cytoplasm has 33.21 A.U. of DNA content (average of 42 individuals), and in annual teosinte cytoplasm has 35,55 A.U. of DNA content (average of 48 individuals). These results show no significant differences between cytoplasms. In the interphase nucleus of tapetum cells, Zea mays genotype in its own cytoplasm has 27.82 A.U. of DNA content (average of 83 individuals) and Zea mays nucleus in annual teosinte cytoplasm has DNA content of 17.82 A.U. (average of 67 individuals). Significant differences between cytoplasms were found (P > 0.01). According to our results we may conclude that Euchlaena mexicana cytoplasm changes the DNA content in the nucleus of tapetum cells, but not in the nucleus of root-tip cells.

Ida Graciela Palacios

Please Note: Notes submitted to the Maize Genetics Cooperation Newsletter may be cited only with consent of the authors.

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