Lipid Composition ofZea maysSeedlings and Water Stress-Induced Changes

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The imposition of a polyethylene glycol-induced osmotic stress of −1.5 MPa for 48 h on 28 d old Zea mays (cv. Style Pak) seedlings resulted in a 44% decreased stem dry weight and increased triglyceride levels in stem and leaf tissues; increased steryl ester levels also occurred in stems. The magnitude of these increases was such that, on a dry weight basis, there were increased total triglyceride and steryl ester levels in the seedlings after the 48 h applied stress. In stems the increased triglyceride level was evident in all of the component fatty acids examined, whereas in leaves it was associated mainly with one fatty acid component, viz. linolenic acid (C18: 3). Changes in sterol levels were small but significant and largely restricted to the stem. Proline levels of all three tissues increased in response to water-stressing the seedlings and the greatest increase also occurred in the stem tissues.