A comparison of the stress responses of Zea mays seedlings as shown by qualitative changes in protein synthesis

Abstract

Maize seedlings respond to heat shock, water stress, abscisic acid treatment, and wounding with the synthesis of stress-specific proteins. Unlike the almost instantaneous (10 min) heat-shock response, a much longer stress exposure is required before the synthesis of water stress induced, abscisic acid induced, or wound-induced proteins. As with heat shock, the protein profile of 24 h water stress induced proteins is consistent between tissue types, whereas seedling tissue response to wounding or heavy metals varies. Wounding of the mesocotyl for 12 h or more results in a complex change (induction and inhibition) in protein synthesis in the growing region, while protein synthesis in the nongrowing region is affected to a much lesser extent.