Biopolym. Cell. 2001; 17(2):140-146.
Structure and Function of Biopolymers
DNA hypomethylation of sunflower seedlings
1Tishcnenko E. N., 1Korzh L. P.
  1. Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, NAS of Ukraine
    31/17, Vasylkivska, Kyiv, Ukraine, 03022
The DNA methylation in shoots and roots of etiolated seedlings of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) has been investigated. Using the methyl-sensitive enzymes of restriction we showed that CpCpGpG-, CpCpA/TpGpG- and GpApApTpTpC- sites are subjected to differential methylation. In particular, these DNA motifs are extensively hypomethylated in shoots, where in contrast to roots, diverse genes are expressed almost 4 times more. The organogenesis in the sunflower callus culture of the shoot apical meristem is also accompanied by the reduction in the level of cytosine enzymatic modification in CpCpGpG- and CpCpA/TpGpG-seguences of DNA. A rote of the DNA enzymatic methylation variability during growth and differentiation of sunflower is under discussion.