Analysis of the expression of genes involved in chlorophyll breakdown in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Abstract

Chlorophyll degradation is involved in crimson foliage, aging of leaf and fruit ripening, as well as ordinary chlorophyll turnover. In Arabidopsis thaliana, two isozyme genes, chlorophyllase 1 (CLH1) and chlorophyllase 2 (CLH2) are isolated, that catalyze the first reaction of the degradation, and RCC reduction enzyme gene (RCCR) that catalyzes later stage of degradation is also isolated. In this study, we analyzed the expression mainly on CLH1 during aging and development of Arabidopsis.
CLH1 mRNA remarkably accumulated in several hours after treatment with methyl jasmonate. In contrast, gibberellin and cytokinin had no effect.
Analysis of a transformant containing GUS fusion gene with CLH1 promoter indicated that CLH1 was expressed in green tissues such as leaf, sepal and silique.
The analysises of the expression of CLH2 and RCCR will be reported.