A novel cucumber albino mutant caused by chloroplast development deficiency

Abstract Background Photosynthesis is a fundamental process for plant growth and development dependent on a precise network, including formation of chloroplast and chlorophyll synthesis. Chloroplast development deficiency could lead to albinism in higher plant. Results Here, we report a cucumber albino recessive mutant that processed white cotyledons under light condition and is unable to produce first true leaf. Meanwhile, albino mutant could grow out creamy green cotyledons under dark condition but died after exposing to light. Using fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscope (TEM), impaired chloroplasts were observed. We identified 7 and 3 differentially expressed genes (DEG) involved in Chlorophyll metabolism and Methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway through transcriptome analysis, respectively. We also examined the reported homologous genes for albino mutants from other plants. Two of 12 genes, TOC159 and DXS1, were up-regulated in cucumber albino mutants as well. The reliability of RNA sequencing results were further confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Conclusions Taken together, we elaborate the differences between albino mutant and normal seedlings from a single cucumber progeny. This mutant is a new material to study protoplast development.