Abstract
In search for new genes essential for C4 photosynthesis, we have isolated several C4 plant-abundantly expressed genes by transcriptome analysis between Flaveria trinervia (C4) and F. pringlei (C3). Among them we found out a novel gene, encoding a chloroplast-envelope-targeted transporter. On the database there are additional two genes originated from rice and Arabidopsis. Their functions are totally unknown. As a first step to identify its function in plant, we analyzed a promoter activity of Arabidopsis homolog using the 2-kb-upstream region from its putative transcription start site. In addition, we prepared T-DNA insertion mutants and found out several phenotypes on these mutants. Under normal light condition, they showed late-flowering phenotype, and under low light condition they showed dwarf phenotype due to lack of normal chloroplast developments. Based on these results, we will discuss its biological function in plants.
