Electrophoretic analysis of the soluble proteins of peas during infection by a Fusarium wilt pathogen

Abstract

Soluble protein samples were prepared from resistant and susceptible lines of the William Massey variety of peas which had previously been inoculated with Fusarium oxyporum f.sp. pisi, a fungal wilt pathogen. These samples were separated chromatographically into protein bands by electrophoresis on gradient polyacrylamide gels, and subsequently protein stained with a variety of staining compounds. Protein spectra of the harvest samples from inoculation at germination until seven weeks from this time were investigated for differences in spectral band composition using amido black, a general protein stain. Differences occurred in the harvests made between one and three weeks, suggesting further investigation in this area was warranted. These samples were subsequently tested for enzymic activity using staining techniques specific for particular enzymes. Some interesting results arose with the enzyme esterase enabling a theory for the possible involvement of this enzyme in resistance to be formulated.