Root Hair Specific Proteins in Glycine max

Abstract In root hairs from seedlings of Glycine max cultivars, isolated from the root system and com­ pared with the complete organ, specific soluble proteins have been found. By FPLC chromatography and SDS gel electrophoresis root hair specific proteins with molecular weights of 13, 21, 34, 38 and 42 kDa were separated. Additionally, proteins with molecular weights of 12, 20, 69 and 74 kDa were significantly enriched in root hairs compared to roots without root hairs. By using CNBr activated Sepharose with antibodies against the root system without root hairs, the pres­ ence of root hair specific proteins was confirmed in extracts from isolated root hair cells. Enrichment of Fe and Ca in some of the proteins from the root hairs is demonstrated. The present knowledge of the biochemical specificity of legume root hairs, the target cells of Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium infection, is discussed.