To investigate the application of biochemical markers' and small-sample methods using whole-wheat flours for screening in early generation in Korean wheat breeding system, 74 Korean wheats, including cultivars, local breeding lines and experimental lines, were analyzed. Seed storage protein and amylose contents of grains were evaluated. Biochemical makers, including granule bound starch synthase (GBSS), high molecular weigh glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) and friabilin were also evaluated by using one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacryla-mide gel electrophoresis with a single kernel. The small­sample methods, including modified SDS-sedimentation test (MST), micro-alkaline water retention capacity (AWRC) and whole-wheat flour swelling volume (WSV) were also tested in this study. Protein content, MST and AWRC was 11.0 - 15.8~% , 2.7 - 26.2 ml and 71.9 - 109.7~% , respectively. Apparent and total amylose content and WSV was 20.6 - 25.0~% , 26.1 - 32.4~% and 9.0 - 16.9 ml, respectively. There were highly significant correlations between MST and AWRC (r=0.592, P<0.001), but Korean wheats showed no significant difference in protein content, amylose content and small-sample methods. In the biochemical markers, Korean wheats contained all three GBSS encoded by Wx loci, except for Suwon 252. Korean wheats showed the high frequency (58.1~% ) of 1Dx2.2 + 1Dy12 subunits of HMW-GS. Friabilin band was present in 46 lines (62.2~% ) and absent in 28 lines (37.8~% ). Friabilin-absence lines showed the higher MST (14.9 ml) and AWRC (92.1~% ) value than friabilin-presence lines (8.5 ml and 82.4~% , respectively).

Granule bound starch synthase (GBSS), also known as the '"waxy protein'", is responsible for the synthesis of amylose in the amyloplasts of cereal crops. In hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), GBSS is involved in amylose synthesis and rolls as an important factor to determine flour quality and end-use quality in food products. Genes on three Wx loci have been found to encode GBSS in common wheats. We developed techniques for the purification and separation of GBSS in wheat. Three major GBSS isoforms, which were encoded by the genes on three loci, Wx-A1, Wx-B1, and Wx-D1 migrating differently by one dimensional SDS-po-lyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1D SDS-PAGE), were identified. GBSS from 66 Korean hard and soft winter wheats were purified and determined for their Wx loci and four of them were identified possessing a null allele either at the Wx-A1 and Wx-B1 loci. With help of identification of three GBSS isoforms using 1D SDS-PAGE system, we are able to identify and monitor Wx gene expressions in breeding materials for developing waxy or partial waxy wheats without experiencing consecutive selecting generations.cting generations.