Vol. 2, Issue 4, Part E (2016)

Abstract
Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are involved in tolerance to drought, cold and high salinity in many different organisms. LEA proteins are well associated with the desiccation tolerance in organisms. Present study focused on analysis of protein profiles in 5 day-old germinating seedlings of Morus indica L. subjected to NaCl stress revealed that the protein of 21 kDa decreased in content with increase in the concentration of NaCl in contrast to seedlings grown on WPM containing NaCl where the 21 kDa protein was highly expressed at 100 and 150 mm. SDS-PAGE protein analysis in 5 day-old germinating seedlings subjected to ABA revealed that 21 kDa protein was expressed at low levels at all concentrations tested. On the other hand, the intensity of 21 kDa protein band increased when ABA was incorporated in WPM. Most of the LEA proteins have the characteristics of high hydrophilicity and thermo-stability. Hence present study provides a reference platform to understand their protective mechanisms during the adaptive response to desiccation in organisms.