Expression level of ZIP1 and ZIP5 transporters in root and leaves of three different zinc-efficiency wheat cultivars

The ability of plants to grow and produce high yields in soils with low zinc (Zn) availability is different among wheat cultivars. However، the physiological mechanism behind Zn efficiency is not currently fully understood and the putative role of Zn transporter proteins in contributing to Zn efficiency has not yet been determined. Therefore، the aim of this study was to compare the expression level of two Zn transporter proteins and catalase activity in different wheat cultivars under Zn deficiency. Three wheat cultivars differing in Zn efficiency including Back Cross (Zn-efficient)، Kavir (Zn-inefficient)، and Durum (Zn-inefficient) were grown in a severely Zn-deficient soil (DTPA-extractable Zn = 0. 2 mg kg-1). Plants were sampled before emergence of main spike and analyzed for expression level of ZIP1 and ZIP5 transporters، catalase activity and Zn concentration in roots and leaves. Results showed that ZIP1 was expressed in the roots of three wheat cultivars، but expression level of this gene in Back Cross root was greater than the other cultivars. Unlike ZIP1 gene، ZIP5 was expressed in the leaves and expression levels were similar in all three cultivars. Zinc concentration in roots and leaves of Back Cross was lower than Zn-inefficient cultivars but catalase activity was significantly higher in this cultivar. Based on these results، Zn-efficiency of cultivars studied might be at least in part due to over-expression of ZIP1 in root and consequently transformation of Zn from soil to plants.