There are evidences that one or a few genes only regulate the apomictic process in citrus. However, the genes identities, their products and mode of action were not elucidated yet. As proteins are the final products of gene expression, the investigation of protein expression can lead to a better understanding of the apomictic process. In this research, the bidimensional protein electrophoresis technique was used to compare protein profiles from apomictic and zygotic seedlings of citrus. Three classes of proteins were observed based on bidimensional profiles: a) those observed in either one of the profiles, b) those exclusive to the apomictic profile, and c) those exclusive to the zygotic profile within that class of proteins shared by both profiles. Differences in the expression level were observed for apomitic or zygotic seedlings. The class of protein exclusive to the zygotic profile is probably related to the expression of genes inherited from the male parental. The proteins detected in the apomictic profile could be related to the apomictic process itself. The molecular weight and the isoelectric point of these differentially expressed proteins were also estimated and probably constitute an important data base for future work on purification and sequencing of these proteins.
apomixis; citrus; protein; bidimensional electrophoresis; RAPD
