Identification of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) chromosomes with genes controlling the level of nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, and acid proteinase using the Chinese Spring-Hope substitution lines.

The levels of nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, and acid proteinase were compared in the primary leaves of 8-day-old wheat seedlings of Chinese Spring, Hope, and the 21 disomic substitution lines of Hope in Chinese Spring. Two chromosomes, 7B and 7D, were considered to contain genes controlling the level of nitrate reductase. Substitution of Hope chromosome 7B caused a highly significant increase in the in vitro stability of nitrate reductase. Nitrite reductase appeared to be controlled by two major genes, located on chromosomes 4D and 7D, and two minor genes, located on chromosomes 3D and 5A. In the case of acid proteinase, substitution of chromosome 1D caused a significant reduction in enzyme activity.