Cloning of a cDNA Encoding the 24-kDa Protein in Chloroplasts of Spores of Osmunda japonica

Abstract

We reported that three polypeptides in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts from green spores of the fern Osmunda japonica decreased during spore germination. The 24-kDa protein was tightly bound with thylakoid membranes. We have attempted to determine a gene of the 24-kDa protein by PCR using the information of amino-terminal sequences of proteolytic products. A computer search of the protein database revealed similar features between the 24-kDa protein and ELIPs (early light-induced proteins) homologs of Tortula ruralis and Onoclea sensibilis.