Use of dot-blot immunogold assay to identify a proliferative antigen in the initial cells of a wheat stem meristem.

We have devised a protocol for the isolation and identification of a proliferative antigen of the initial cells of wheat stem meristems (termed PAI). We have carried out a variety of immunochemical and immunocytochemical methods, using colloidal gold (CG) complexed with monospecific antibodies to PAI as the marker for the detection of PAI. We have been able to determine the effectiveness of immunoaffinity chromatography in isolating PAI from plant tissues and have shown the advantages of CG over enzyme labels for identification of the antigen. Finally, we have obtained a purified preparation of PAI and have determined its molecular mass (approximately 83 kDa).