Expression of genetically distinct superoxide dismutases in the maize seedling during development

Immunoassays for the cytosolic and mitochondrial superoxide dismutases (SOD) of maize were developed and used to study the expression of these proteins in the maize seedling. The genetically distinct proteins, SOD-3 and SOD-4, are preferentially expressed in the scutellum, comprising approximately 1% of the total water-soluble protein of that tissue. SOD-2, SOD-3, and SOD-4 are synthesized in the scutellum during early sporophytic development, probably on cytosolic ribosomes. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of crude scutellar extracts indicates that significant changes occur in the protein composition of the maize scutellum following seed imbibition. Using the immunoassays, a maize line exhibiting a significant reduction in cyanide-sensitive SOD protein was identified.