Biochemical analysis of immature rice endosperm
Prior to developing a strategy for rice transformation
experiments, it was crucial to obtain information on the
status of isoprenoid biosynthesis in rice endosperm. In vitro
incubation of immature endosperm in the presence of
radiolabelled isoprenoid precursors yielded information on
the biochemical competence of this tissue for prenyl lipid
biosynthesis. Incubation experiments with [1-14C]IPP
showed that no detectable carotenoids were produced.