Project Number: 5335-21430-005-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Apr 02, 2001
End Date: Apr 01, 2006

Objective:
Identify and alter development and spatial patterns of expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of the signal transduction of ethylene in tomato and determine the relationships between these genes and specific physiological processes dependent upon ethylene. As new approaches become feasible, develop recombinants or other technology to take advantage of new approaches in tomato. Determine utility of new approaches to control ripening or other ethylene-driven processes in important crops.

Approach:
Ethylene is a unique plant signaling molecule. The hydrocarbon gas, known as the fruit ripening hormone, controls many aspects of plant growth and development, and its synthesis is highly regulated. Recent experimental evidence indicates that the key enzyme in the ethylene biosynthetic pathway, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase is encoded by a highly divergent multigene family in various monoand dicotyledonous plants. The members of each family are differentially regulated by various inducers and developmental stages. Studies on the structure and regulation of the ACC synthase genes in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) will give insight into the details of the biochemical mechanisms that regulate their expression by various hormones and stress conditions as well as their role in regulating plant growth. Furthermore, in vitro mutagenesis studies are proposed to obtain fundamental knowledge about the structure and function of the ACC synthase protein. REPLACES 5335-21430-004. BSL-1; 3/31/03

Project Team

Theologis, Athanasios

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001