Expression of the viviparous 1 (Pavp1) and p34(cdc2) protein kinase (cdc2Pa) genes during somatic embryogenesis in Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst)

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Detailed expression analysis of the Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst) Viviparous 1 (Pavp1) and p34cdc2 (cdc2Pa) genes was carried out during somatic embryogenesis. Pavp1, a gene associated with embryo development, was expressed in proliferating embryogenic suspension cultures in the absence of exogenous ABA. When somatic embryo formation was promoting by blocking proliferation, Pavp1 expression was reduced. During maturation, exogenous ABA induced increased Pavp1 expression, which peaked at the early cotyledonary stage of somatic embryogenesis. Following partial desiccation of mature somatic embryos at high relative humidity, Pavp1 expression persisted under germination conditions. Pavp1 expression was also detected in non-dormant immature male strobili and dormant terminal buds. These data confirm the functional conservation of Pavp1 during the evolution of seed plants and extend its function beyond the embryo. Cdc2Pa, a gene associated with the cell cycle, was up-regulated when the proliferation of embryogenic cells was blocked. Expression was again up-regulated in early embryogeny and again during germination. The implications of this up-regulation of cdc2Pa are discussed.