Abstract: A method of modifying ethylene biosynthesis in a plant comprises inserting into the genome of the said plant a DNA sequence such as SEQ-ID-NO-1 (encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS)) and/or sequence SEQ-ID-NO-2 (encoding an ethylene-forming enzyme (EFE)) which modifies the activity of at least one of ACS or EFE. The method may be used to modify fruit ripening characteristics, especially in bananas.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the expression of a tomato phytoene synthese gene in a plant while avoiding or reducing co-suppression involves the synthesis of a DNA which is altered in nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO:1) and is capable of expression of a protein, ideally identical to that of a protein already expressed by a DNA already present in the plant. This method ensures that sequence similarity between the two genes is reduced enough to eliminate the phenomenon of co-suppression, allowing the over-expression of a specific phytoene synthese protein.

Abstract: A promoter comprising the DNA sequence of an oil seed rape cysteine protease gene promoter of class 1, 2 or 6 is described. The promoter may be used in an expression system for at least the tissue or tissues of a germinating seedling or developing grain or plant (e.g. in the root, cotyledons, leaves and stem). In a preferred embodiment, the expression system comprises a disrupter gene fused to a promoter according to the present invention.

Abstract: Expression of genes inserted into plants by transformation is controlled by the use of a promoter selected from Aco1, Aco2 and Aco3, the sequences of which are given. The level of expression obtained by use of these promoters varies with the stage of development of the plant.

Abstract: Biocidal proteins isolated from seeds have been characterised, in particular proteins isolated from members of the Brassicaceae, Compositae and Leguminosae families including Raphanus, Brassica, Sinapis, Arabidopsis, Dahlia, Cnicus, Lathyrus and Clitoria. The proteins show a wide range of antifungal activity and some are active against Gram-positive bacteria. All share a common amino acid sequence. DNA encoding the proteins has been isolated and incorporated into vectors. Plants transformed with this DNA may be produced. The proteins find commercial application as antifungal or antibacterial agents; transformed plants will show increased disease-resistance.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound of formula (I): wherein A represents a bidentate group of formula —CH2—X—CH2— (wherein X is methylene, sulfur or oxygen), X′C═CY or X′WC—CYZ (wherein X′, W, Y and Z are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, acyloxy, alkoxy, alkylsilyloxy, cyano or halogen, or X′ and W or Y and Z together with the carbon to which they are attached form a carbonyl group), provided that A is not CH2—CH2; Ar is an optionally substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring system containing from 1 to 3 heteroatoms individually selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur atoms, and at least one unsaturation (double bond) between adjacent atoms in the ring, said heterocyclic ring being optionally fused to a benzene ring; aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroarylalkyl, alkenyl, aralkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxycarbonyl, alkanesulfonyl, arenesulfonyl, alkanyloxycarbonyl, aralkyloxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heterocyclylalkyl, ca

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound of Formula (I): wherein Ar is optionally substituted phenyl wherein the substutuents, if present, are selected from halogen atoms, cyano, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, alkylthio and alkyl amino groups; R represents hydrogen or cyano or a group selected from alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroarylalkyl, alkenyl, aralkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxycarbonyl, alkanesulfonyl, arenesulfonyl, alkenyloxycarbonyl, aralkyloxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heterocyclylalkyl, carbamyl, dithiocarboxyl or XR3 (where X represents oxygen or a group NR4); R3 and R4 are, independently, hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroarylalkyl, alkenyl, aralkenyl, alkynyl, heterocyclylalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl or carboxylic acyl each of which may be optionally substituted; R1 represents hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, amino, nitro, isocyanato, acylamino, hydroxyalkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, halohydroxyalkyl, aralky

Abstract: The capacity of a plant to produce fatty acids is modulated by controlling the expression of a gene specifying the acetyl CoA carboxylase biotin carboxyl carrier protein. Modulation may comprise increasing the expression of the gene by insertion of additional copies into the genome or inhibiting expression by insertion of an antisense or cosuppression vector directed against the endogenous gene.

Abstract: Antimicrobial proteins are isolated from seeds of Impatiens, and show a wide range of antifungal activity and some antibacterial activity. DNA encoding the proteins is isolated and incorporated into vectors. Plants transformed with this DNA are produced. The invention further provides a method of expressing polyproteins in transgenic plants using DNA constructs based on the structure of the gene encoding the Impatiens antimicrobial proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated DNA sequences related to fruit ripening from muskmelon (Cucumis melo) having SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2, or having a sequence which encodes the amino acid sequence encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2. Also provided are DNA constructs, genetically modified plants and fruits containing the foregoing sequences, and methods of preparing genetically modified plants.

Abstract: The chemically-inducible 27 kD subunit of the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase, isoform II (GST-II-27) and sequences encoding it are provided. In particular, a genomic DNA sequence encoding the gene promoter for the GST-II-27 subunit is provided. Then linked to an exogenous gene and introduced into a plant by transformation, and GST-II-27 promoter provides a means for the external regulation of expression of that exogenous gene. Transformation with DNA encoding glutathione-S-transferase polypeptides produces herbicide resistance transgenic plants.

Abstract: Control of weeds in a rice crop is obtained by applying to the crop, the weeds, or the locus of either or both, a herbicidal composition containing molinate and carfentrazone-ethyl in a weight ratio of from about 60:1 to about 6:1.

Abstract: Biocidal proteins capable of isolation from seeds have been characterized. The proteins have an amino acid sequence containing the common cysteine/glycine domain of Chitin-binding Plant Proteins but show substantially better activity against pathogenic fungi, a higher ratio of basic amino acids to acidic amino acids, and/or antifungal activity which results in increased hyphal branching. Antimicrobial proteins isolated from Amaranthus, Capsicum, Briza and related species are provided. The proteins show a wide range of antifungal activity and are active against Gram-positive bacteria. DNA encoding the proteins may be isolated and incorporated into vectors. Plants may be transformed with this DNA. The proteins find agricultural or pharmaceutical application as antifungal or antibacterial agents. Transgenic plants expressing the protein will show increased disease resistance.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel peptide isolated from the venom of the spider Grammostola spatulata which peptide has antiarrhthymic activity. The invention also provides methods of treating arrhthymia comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of the peptide. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods of mediating hypotonic cell swelling induced calcium increase in cells.

Abstract: Plants may be regenerated from stomatal cells or protoplasts of such cells. Prior to regeneration the cells or protoplasts may be genetically transformed by the introduction of hereditary material most preferably by a DNA construct which is free of genes which specify resistance to antibiotics. The regeneration step may include callus formation on a hormone-free medium. The method is particularly suitable for sugar beet.

Abstract: A chemically inducible gene promoter sequence, and particularly, but not exclusively, a chemically inducible gene promoter sequence based on cis regulatory elements from the maize glutathione S-transferase 27 (GST-27) gene. In a preferred embodiment, the promoter sequence is operatively linked or fused to a gene or series of genes whereby expression of the gene or series of genes may be controlled by application of an effective exogenous inducer.

Abstract: The invention relates to insect viruses and plants which express an exogenous polypeptide derived from spiders of the genus Atrax or Hadronyche, which polypeptide is toxic to insects. The polypeptide has a molecular weight of approximately 4000 amu,) containing 36-37 Gino acids, and is capable of forming three intrachain disulfide bridges. Polyiucleotides which encode the polypeptide, insectidoidal compositions and methods of controlling insect infestation of crops are also included.

Abstract: Biocidal proteins isolated from Mirabilis have been characterized. The proteins show a wide range of antifungal activity and are active against gram-positive bacteria. DNA encoding the proteins has been isolated and incorporated into vectors. Plants transformed with this DNA have been produced. The proteins find commercial application as antifungal or antibacterial agents; transformed plants will show increased disease-resistance.

Abstract: Antimicrobial proteins capable of isolation from seeds of Heuchera or Aesculus show a wide range of antifungal activity and some activity against Gram-positive bacteria. DNA encoding the proteins may be isolated and incorporated into vectors. Plants transformed with this DNA may be produced. The proteins find commercial application as antifungal or antibacterial agents; transformed plants will show increased disease-resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pyrrolidine derivatives, and more particularly to the compound (S)-1-?(S)-2-(4-methoxybenzamido)-3-methylbutyryl!-N-?(S)-2-methyl-1-(trif luoroacetyl)propyl!pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide, shown by formula I, and solvates thereof. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions, intermediates and methods of preparation of the compound. The compound of formula I is an inhibitor of human neutrophil elastase and is useful in the treatment of diseases in which the enzyme is implicated, such as, for example, emphysema and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).