Abstract: A method of search for and identification of a eukaryotic IRES element active in cap-independent translation of RNA in eukaryotic cells is provided, comprising the following steps: i) screening eukaryotic mRNA sequences or corresponding DNA sequences for a potential IRES element having a block of nucleotides having: a) a length of at least 30 nucleotides; b) an adenine nucleotide content of at least 40 mol-%; and c) a pyrimidine nucleotide content of less than 40 mol-%; ii) inserting said potential IRES element into a linear dicistronic construct between an upstream gene and a downstream GUS reporter gene, whereby said potential IRES element is positioned for IRES-dependent translation of said downstream GUS gene and whereby said upstream gene is preceded by a stable hairpin structure to prevent IRES-independent translation of said genes; and iii) testing said potential IRES element for IRES-dependent translation of said GUS gene in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate or in a wheat germ extract in vitro translation

Abstract: A method of producing a nucleic acid sequence having an adenine-rich nucleic acid block of at least 25 nucleotides in length is provided. The nucleic acid sequence that is produced is capable of initiating translation at an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and the adenine-rich nucleic acid block comprises from 40 to 100 mol-% adenine.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of isolating and purifying proteins and other organic small molecules produced in hosts using viruses. Also disclosed are methods of visualizing and/or localizing proteins and other organic small molecules produced in hosts using viruses. Further disclosed are compositions of matter containing the protein or small molecule bound to a virus.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for introducing nucleic acid constructs called “landing pads” in plant genes for the insertion of transgenes, and methods for introducing the transgenes into the landing pads. Transgenic plants and plant parts produced by the methods, and seeds derived from the plants, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of making plant artificial chromosomes. In one embodiment, the method entails: (a) preparing recombinant protoplasts of a first plant species containing an exogenous nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) of interest; (b) producing chromosome fragments of chromosomes contained in the recombinant protoplasts; (c) fusing the recombinant protoplasts of (b) with protoplasts of a second plant species to produce fused protoplasts, wherein the first and second plant species may be the same or different; and (d) identifying fused protoplasts of (c) or cells derived from the fused protoplasts of (c) that contain chromosome fragments that exhibit normal plant chromosomal properties. The chromosome fragments may be moved from one plant species to another. Whole plants, plant cell cultures and intermediates of same are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making transgenic plants. Heterologous DNA is first introduced into a donor plant, plant cell or protoplast, and then moved from the donor to a recipient plant, plant cell or protoplast unaccompanied by any native genomic DNA of the donor. The donor and recipient are chosen that produce unstable progeny or demonstrate preferential segregation or sorting out. The DNA may be inserted randomly or at specific locations in the genome of the recipient plant. Also disclosed are transgenic plants produced by the methods, and plant progeny, plant parts and seeds and seed parts from the plants.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for transforming plastids and moving transformed plastids from one plant to another. Also disclosed are transplastomic plants, parts thereof, and seed derived therefrom. Further disclosed is a cell or protoplast of a plant, or a culture thereof (e.g., a callus culture) wherein the cell or protoplast contains a plastid obtained from a cell of a genetically distinct plant and that contains a nucleic acid of interest.