Abstract
We analyzed genes expressing in carnation petals to understand the metabolism in the petals and obtain the genes encoding 2',4,4',6'-tetrahydroxy chalcone 2'-glucosyltransferase (THC2'GT). THC2'GT stabilizes the yellow tetrahydroxychalcone and thus the gene encoding THC2'GT should be a useful molecular tool to engineer yellow flowers.
EST analysis of 2,600 clones, sequencing of 3,700 clones of a subtracted cDNA library (petals-leaves) and screening of a petal cDNA library with previously cloned glucosyltransferase cDNAs yielded more than 30 kinds of putative glucosyltransferase cDNAs. Arabidopsis is known to have about 100 glucosyltransferase homologues in the genome. Carnation may have more than Arabidopsis. Functional analysis of these cDNAs is interesting and in progress in our laboratory.
(A part of this study was supported by the Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution, Japan.)
