This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via CrossRef Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Heuss-LaRosa, K. Articles by Cherry, J. H. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Heuss-LaRosa, K. Articles by Cherry, J. H. Agricola Articles by Heuss-LaRosa, K. Articles by Cherry, J. H.

Environmental and Stress Physiology

Synthesis of Only Two Heat Shock Proteins Is Required for Thermoadaptation in Cultured Cowpea Cells ¹

Center of Plant Environmental Stress Physiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, Horticulture Department, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907

Cell cultures of a heat sensitive genotype of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) were adapted to tolerate moderate levels of heat by maintaining cells at 32, 36, and 38°C over many cell generations. Cells adapted to 32 and to 36°C did not produce the typical heat shock proteins (HSP). Cells adapted to 38°C synthesized two new proteins, which appear to be a subset of the HSP. In many temperature sensitive organisms it is thought that HSP confer thermotolerance. However, we hypothesize that specific proteins are associated with heat tolerance in cowpea, other heat tolerant plants (species such as sorghum and millet), and adapted cells which provide them with enhanced heat tolerance. From present data we suggest two proteins (70 and 80 kilodaltons) are strongly associated with heat tolerance and heat adaptation.