A Developmental-Study Of Glycine-Max Cell And Protoplast Isolation In Relation To Leaf Age And Photosynthetic Competence

Leaf mesophyll cells were isolated from developing first trifoliate leaves of Glycine max (L.) Merr cv. Fiskeby V using a mechanical isolation procedure combined with low speed centrifugation. Cell yields of 17 ± 1.7% were routinely obtained with 55–75% intactness, as assessed by staining techniques, fluorescence transients and the ability of cells to convert to protoplasts after enzyme treatment. Rates of leaf photosynthesis were maximal in 27-day-old plants [280 μmol O2 evolved (mg chlorophyll)-1h-1], from which isolated cells and protoplasts gave rates of up to 140 μmol O2 evolved (mg chlorophyll)-1 h-1. Results are discussed in relation to leaf development and cell status during the attainment of photosynthetic competence.