Abstract: Methods for producing heterologous terpenes, terpenoids and/or small molecules in transgenic glandular trichome-bearing plants are provided, as well as the transgenic glandular trichome-bearing plants capable of producing the heterologous terpenes, terpenoids and small molecules. The genetically engineered glandular trichome-bearing plants contain and express one or more genes which encode proteins active in the biosynthetic pathways which produce the terpenes, terpenoids and small molecules. As a result, the essential oil of the transgenic plant is enriched for the heterologous or homologous terpenes, terpenoids and/or small molecules Storage of the essential oil in the glandular trichomes of the plant reduces the volatility and cytotoxic capacity of the heterologous molecules, thereby increasing yield and decreasing damage to the transgenic plant.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides nucleic acid molecules that each correspond to all or part of a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule expressed in plant oil gland cells, such as oil gland secretory cells of essential oil plants. In another aspect, the present invention provides nucleic acid molecules that hybridize to one or more of the peppermint oil gland cDNAs disclosed herein (or to the complement of one or more of the peppermint oil gland cDNAs disclosed herein), under stringent conditions. In another aspect, the present invention provides replicable recombinant cloning vehicles comprising a nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. In yet other aspects of the invention, modified host cells are provided that include a recombinant cloning vehicle and/or nucleic acid molecule of the present invention.

Abstract: cDNAs encoding 1-deoxyxylulose-5-phosphate synthase from peppermint (Mentha piperita) have been isolated and sequenced, and the corresponding amino acid sequences have been determined. Accordingly, isolated DNA sequences (SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:7) are provided which code for the expression of 1-deoxyxylulose-5-phosphate synthase from plants. In another aspect the present invention provides for isolated, recombinant DXPS proteins, such as the proteins having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6 and SEQ ID NO:8. In other aspects, replicable recombinant cloning vehicles are provided which code for plant 1-deoxyxylulose-5-phosphate synthases, or for a base sequence sufficiently complementary to at least a portion of 1-deoxyxylulose-5-phosphate synthase DNA or RNA to enable hybridization therewith.