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Changes in the distribution of cell wall polysaccharides in early fruit pericarp and ovule, from fruit set to early fruit development, in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

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Abstract

During fruit development in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), cell proliferation and rapid cell expansion occur after pollination. Cell wall synthesis, alteration, and degradation play important roles during early fruit formation, but cell wall composition and the extent of cell wall synthesis/degradation are poorly understood. In this study, we used immunolocalization with a range of specific monoclonal antibodies to examine the changes in cell wall composition during early fruit development in tomato. In exploring early fruit development, the −1 day post-anthesis (DPA) ovary and fruits at 1, 3, and 5 DPA were sampled. Paraffin sections were prepared for staining and immunolabeling. The 5 DPA fruit showed rapid growth in size and an increase in both methyl-esterified pectin and de-methyl-esterified pectin content in the pericarp, suggesting rapid synthesis and de-methyl esterification of pectin during this growth period. Labeling of pectic arabinan with LM6 antibody and galactan with LM5 antibody revealed abundant amounts of both, with unique distribution patterns in the ovule and premature pericarp. These results suggest the presence of rapid pectin metabolism during the early stages of fruit development and indicate a unique distribution of pectic galactan and arabinan within the ovule, where they may be involved in embryogenesis.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Associate Professor Shinichi Miyamura of the University of Tsukuba for critical reading and suggestions. This work was supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Priority Areas (18075004) and a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (24114006).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan

    Azusa Terao, Hiromi Hyodo, Shinobu Satoh & Hiroaki Iwai

Authors
  1. Azusa Terao
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  2. Hiromi Hyodo
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  3. Shinobu Satoh
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  4. Hiroaki Iwai
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hiroaki Iwai.

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A. Terao and H. Iwai contributed equally to this work.

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Terao, A., Hyodo, H., Satoh, S. et al. Changes in the distribution of cell wall polysaccharides in early fruit pericarp and ovule, from fruit set to early fruit development, in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). J Plant Res 126, 719–728 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10265-013-0555-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10265-013-0555-5

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