Cloning of genes developmentally r plant embryogenesis (somatic embryogenesis/differential immunoadsorption/expression v

Genes specificaliy induced during somatic embryogenesis may play key roles in plant embryo develop- ment. An antiserum against an extract of carrot somatic embryos revealed a few rare antigens induced at the onset of embryogenesis. Through differential immunoadsorption tech- niques, we purified antibodies against the embryo-specific antigens and probed a phage K gtll library of cDNA from carrot somatic embryos. This paper describes three distinct cDNA clones that hybridize to embryo-specific RNAs. Mono- specific antibodies, purified by affinity to the recombinant phage fusion proteins, confirm that the cloned cDNAs encode unique embryo-specific peptide antigens. One 50-kDa protein correlates with embryogenic ability in cultures of other plant species, including cereals.