Effect of low temperature stress on the expression of sucrose synthetase in spring and winter wheat plants. Development of a monoclonal antibody against wheat germ sucrose synthetase.

A monoclonal antibody against wheat germ sucrose synthetase is developed and characterized. Its use in studying the effect of cold acclimation on the expression of sucrose synthetase in winter and spring wheat plants is described. The antibody shows cross-reactivity with sucrose synthetase from maize and pea plants, as well as carrot cells. A gradual accumulation of the enzyme as a function of time spent at 2 degrees C is observed in both wheat varieties. In contrast, an initial sharp rise in the mRNA level is observed, which agrees with the previously reported response of maize plants subjected to anaerobic stress.