Long-term cultures of barley synthesize and correctly deposit seed storage proteins.

Long-term cultures of four different cultivars of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) have been established. Both callus and suspension cultures formed embryogenic structures at high frequency even after more than 18 months of culture. These compact proembryogenic cell clusters synthesize seed storage globulins whereas loose cell aggregates in callus culture and suspension cultures of fine dispersed consistency were free of globulins. Globulin synthesis was especially intense in compact structures of callus cultures established from suspension culture-derived protoplasts. Within the cells storage globulins are deposited in the vacuolar compartment as in zygotic embryos. The molecular data provided recommend the system for studies on factors determining seed protein gene expression and intracellular protein transport.