Lupin leghemoglobins during root nodule development.
Two yellow lupin leghemoglobins, Lb I and Lb II, were purified to homogeneity using the HPLC technique for final separation. Lb I and Lb II were identified by the N-terminal sequences and their reaction with antibodies against electrophoretically pure leghemoglobin. The third Lb species was detected by the combined method of isoelectrofocusing and PAGE of Lb I. It seems that Lb III represents a posttranslational modification of Lb I. Developmental changes in Lb multiple forms were examined using the Western blotting method. The content of leghemoglobin, first detectable approximately 3 weeks after infection, increased up to 6-7 weeks, and then it remained at the same level until 8-9 weeks after the infection. At the early stages of nodule formation Lb I prevailed over Lb II, while later Lb II became the predominant form. This suggests physiological role of particular forms and precise regulation of the expression of Lb genes.