Abstract
Goldenrod (Solidago altissima L.) produces polyacetylenic compounds including cis-dehydromatricaria ester (cis-DME), which shows the allelopathic effect inhibiting the growth of other plants, in the root and rhizome. We studied the cis-DME production in goldenrod hairy root cultures, and previously reported that it was suppressed by light. To study the biosynthetic pathway of cis-DME and its regulation, we isolated 2 clones of gene segments homologous to FAD2-related fatty acid acethylenases (ACETs) from goldenrod, which were thought to be the first enzyme in the acetylenic compound production. Now, we have investigated the expression of the cloned sequences, named SaFAD2-A and B, in the goldenrod tissues by quantitative RT-PCR. Differences between the expressional patterns of the two sequences and their relevance to the cis-DME production will be discussed.
