Abstract: The localization and distribution of the glycoproteins in cellular membranes of strong cold hardy winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Yanda 1817) seedlings were studied employing the modified cytochemical method using Concanavalin A-Horseradish peroxidase conjugates. The results obtained showed that the reaction products of Horseradish peroxidase activity which indicated the presence of glycoproteins appeared as individual particles distributed at plasmalemma, endoplasmic reticulmn, nuclear envelope and tonoplast in the leaflet cells of the seedlings grown under optimum temperature 25℃ day/20℃ night. After cold acclimation of the seedlings at low temperature during late autumn and early winter, the quantity of glycoproteins distributed in endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope was significantly increased, and glycoproteins were transported into almost all of the plasmodesmata. At some sites of mitochondria and plastides newly formed glycoproteins were observed. However, no distribution of glycoproteins was for,nd in Golgi bodies during the whole observations. The role of glycoproteins for the development and stability of cold resistance in plant through blocking up the plasmodesma passage in the overwintering period of winter wheat seedlings, and the possible differences of the synthetic site and transportation pathway of glycoproteins between animal and plant systems were discussed.

Key words: Glycoprotein, Membrane, Cytochemistry, Ultrastructure, wheat, Plant cold Hardiness