Possible mitochondrial involvement in mechanism of cytoplasmic male sterility in maize (Zea mays L.).

The mechanism of cytoplasmic male sterility was investigated in maize by isolating mitochondria from seedlings and various anther stages and analyzing cytochrome oxidase and succinic dehydrogenase biochemically and electrophoretically. Sterile anthers exhibited a lack of biochemical activity and fewer isozymatic bands for cytochrome oxidase. No apparent differences were detected biochemically or electrophoretically between fertile and sterile anthers for succinate dehydrogenase.