6533b831fe1ef96bd12997b8

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Tubulin gene expression persists during all changes in microtubular arrays related to cell shaping in growing barley leaves

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Summary Levels of α-tubulin RNA were determined in consecutive leaf segments taken along young, growing barley leaves by Northern blotting. The leaves exhibited a developmental gradient typical of graminaceous species ranging from a meristem at the base to fully differentiated cells at the tip. The objective was to ascertain whether or not high steady-state tubulin RNA levels accompany characteristic changes in microtubular arrays known to occur during cell division and differentiation. Of particular interest was the differentiation zone comprising a succession of well defined changes in microtubular arrays that appear to be involved in the control of cell shaping. High steady-state levels of α-tubulin RNA were observed during all phases of apparent microtubular activity. Almost immediately after completion of cell shaping, but only then, a dramatic loss in tubulin RNA commenced. The results are discussed in the context of how plants may accomplish changes in cortical microtubular arrays.