Figure 7. Expression profile of ZmALDH12 gene in maize.

(a) Gene expression of ZmALDH12 studied in leaves and roots during 2 weeks after germination (left side) and in various organs during the lifespan of maize plants (right side). The graph shows transcript levels (in log-scale) detected in 1 ng of total RNA. DAG, days after germination; DAP, days after pollination; DBP, days before pollination. (b) Gene expression of ZmALDH12 in plants exposed to salt (NaCl) and dehydration (PEG600) for 4 days and exposed to exogenous arginine, proline and glutamate for 1 day. Seedlings were grown at 25°C on a hydroponic Hoagland solution with a light/dark photoperiod of 12/12 hours and photon flux density 280 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹. Concentrations used: 200 mM NaCl, 20% PEG 6000, 2 mM proline, 2 mM arginine and 50 mM glutamate. Cycle threshold values were normalized with respect to maize elongation factor 1α and β-actin genes and amplification efficiency. (c) Gene expression of PpALDH12 in moss grown in Knop medium exposed to salt (NaCl) and dehydration (sorbitol) for 1 and 4 days.