Specific Proteins in the Indirect Somatic Embryogenesis of Freesia Refracta*

Using the young inflorescence segments of Freesia refracta as explants, indirect somatic embryogenesis of somatic cells was induced in a N6 medium supplemented with some exogenous hormones. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electropho-resis(SDS-PAGE) was used for the analysis of soluble proteins produced during the somatic embryogenesis of this plant. There are six polypeptides, which might play some roles in the process of somatic embryo development. Three polypeptides(45, 53 and 55 kD) were detected in the stages of embryogenic callus, globular embryoid, and embryoid with coleoptiles, except the embryoid with leaf. One polypeptide(83 kD) was specific for the stages of embryoid with coleoptiles and embryoid with leaf. One polypeptide(37 kD) was detected in the first two stages, namely, embryogenic callus and globular embryoid. One polypeptide(35 kD) was regularly synthesized in each stage, from embryogenic callus to embryoid with leaf.