DEVELOPMENT OF RIBONUCLEASE ACTIVITY IN NINE INBRED LINES OF NORMAL AND OPAQUE-2 MAIZE

Abstract
The opaque-2 and normal versions of six maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds showed differences in their ribonuclease development patterns similar to that observed previously with the inbred W64A. With two inbreds (A545 and B37) differences did not appear until later in development. Mature seed of A545o2 and B37o2 contained regions of horny endosperm, indicating the presence of modifier genes, but retained the higher lysine content characteristic of opaque-2.