Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for phenylalanine aminomutase enzyme and methods for purifying this enzyme are provided. Methods for altering biosynthesis of compounds in plant cell cultures are also provided. In particular, methods for altering production of taxanes and taxane-related compounds are provided.

Abstract: Soybean and Medicago truncatula CYP93C genes have been isolated which encode a cytochrome P450 that can catalyze the aryl migration of a flavanone to yield an isoflavanone intermediate or an isoflavone. Plants can now be genetically engineered to produce isoflavones that provide potential human health benefits and increase disease resistance in plants. Isoflavones can now be produced in transgenic plants species in which isoflavones do not naturally occur, i.e., in species other than legumes. Alternatively, introducing infection-inducible isoflavonoid biosynthesis into non-legumes qualitatively complements these plants phytoalexin defenses against microbial pathogens, whereas over-expression of the isoflavonoid pathway in legumes quantitatively increases this defense response. Finally, modifying the extend of production of isoflavonoids in legume roots positively impacts nodulation efficiency and therefore plant yield.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for phenylalanine aminomutase enzyme and methods for purifying this enzyme are provided. Methods for altering biosynthesis of compounds in plant cell cultures are also provided. In particular, methods for altering production of taxanes and taxane-related compounds are provided.

Abstract: cDNAs encoding, E-&agr;-bisabolene synthase, &dgr;-selinene synthase and &ggr;-humulene synthase from Grand Fir (Abies grandis) have been isolated and sequenced, and the corresponding amino acid sequences have been determined. Accordingly, isolated DNA sequences (SEQ ID No:12; SEQ ID No:19 and SEQ ID No:23) are provided which code for the expression of E-&agr;-bisabolene synthase (SEQ ID No:13), &dgr;-selinene synthase (SEQ ID No:20) and &ggr;-humulene synthase (SEQ ID No:24), respectively, from Grand Fir (Abies grandis). In other aspects, replicable recombinant cloning vehicles are provided which code for E-&agr;-bisabolene synthase, &dgr;-selinene synthase and &ggr;-humulene synthase, or for a base sequence sufficiently complementary to at least a portion of E-&agr;-bisabolene synthase, &dgr;-selinene synthase or &ggr;-humulene synthase DNA or RNA to enable hybridization therewith.

Abstract: cDNAs encoding E-&agr;-bisabolelene synthase, &dgr;-selinene synthase and &ggr;-humulene synthase from Grand Fir (Abies grandis) have been isolated and sequenced, and the corresponding amino acid sequences have been determined. Accordingly, isolated DNA sequences (SEQ ID No:12; SEQ ID No:19 and SEQ ID No:23) are provided which code for the expression of E-&agr;-bisabolene synthase (SEQ ID No:13), &dgr;-selinene synthase (SEQ ID No:20) and &ggr;-humulene synthase (SEQ ID No:24), respectively, from Grand Fir (Abies grandis). In other aspects, replicable recombinant cloning vehicles are provided which code for E-&agr;-bisabolene synthase, &dgr;-selinene synthase and &ggr;-humulene synthase, or for a base sequence sufficiently complementary to at least a portion of E-&agr;-bisabolene synthase, &dgr;-selinene synthase or &ggr;-humulene synthase DNA or RNA to enable hybridization therewith.

Abstract: cDNAs encoding E-&agr;-bisabolene synthase, &dgr;-selinene synthase and &ggr;-humulene synthase from Grand Fir (Abies grandis) have been isolated and sequenced, and the corresponding amino acid sequences have been determined. Accordingly, isolated DNA sequences (SEQ ID No:12 and SEQ ID No:19 and SEQ ID No:23) are provided which code for the expression of E-&agr;-bisabolene synthase (SEQ ID No:13), &dgr;-selinene synthase (SEQ ID No:20) and &ggr;-humulene synthase (SEQ ID No: 24), respectively, from Grand Fir (Abies grandis). In other aspects, replicable recombinant cloning vehicles are provided which code for E-&agr;-bisabolene synthase, &dgr;-selinene synthase and &ggr;-humulene synthase, or for a base sequence sufficiently complementary to at least a portion of E-&agr;-bisabolene synthase, &dgr;-selinene synthase or &ggr;-humulene synthase DNA or RNA to enable hybridization therewith.