Figure 5.

RT-PCR analyses confirm differential gene expression in exocarp and locular tissue. The expression of 21 genes preferentially expressed in fruit exocarp or locular tissue according to the microarray data was assayed by semiquantitative RT-PCR in different tissues dissected from 22-DPA fruit (cv Ferum) using gene-specific primers. E, Exocarp; M, mesocarp; C, columella; L, locular tissue; F, fruit without seeds; S, seed. A, LeActin (U60480) was used as control. For each gene and tissue, the relative abundance of mRNA was normalized toward that of tomato actin in the corresponding tissue. The results are presented as percentage of the highest relative expression for the considered gene. B, Transcripts showing preferential expression in the exocarp. C, Transcripts showing preferential expression in the locular tissue.