Abstract: Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) isolated from cotton are disclosed. The ESTs provide a unique molecular tool for the targeting and isolation of novel genes for plant protection and improvement. The disclosed ESTs have utility in the development of new strategies for understanding critical plant developmental and metabolic pathways. The disclosed ESTs have particular utility in isolating genes and promoters, identifying and mapping the genes involved in developmental and metabolic pathways, and determining gene function. Sequence homology analyses using the ESTs provided in the present invention, will result in more efficient gene screening for desirable agronomic traits. An expanding database of these select pieces of the plant genomics puzzle will quickly expand the knowledge necessary for subsequent functional validation, a key limitation in current plant biotechnology efforts.

Abstract: Novel DNA constructs are provided which may be used as molecular probes or inserted into a plant host to provide for modification of transcription of a DNA sequence of interest in cotton fiber, particularly in very early fiber development. The DNA constructs comprise a cotton fiber transcriptional initiation regulatory region associated with a gene which is expressed in cotton fiber.

Abstract: Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) isolated from cotton are disclosed. The ESTs provide a unique molecular tool for the targeting and isolation of novel genes for plant protection and improvement. The disclosed ESTs have utility in the development of new strategies for understanding critical plant developmental and metabolic pathways. The disclosed ESTs have particular utility in isolating genes and promoters, identifying and mapping the genes involved in developmental and metabolic pathways, and determining gene function. Sequence homology analyses using the ESTs provided in the present invention, will result in more efficient gene screening for desirable agronomic traits. An expanding database of these select pieces of the plant genomics puzzle will quickly expand the knowledge necessary for subsequent functional validation, a key limitation in current plant biotechnology efforts.

Abstract: Provided are two plant cDNA clones that are homologs of the bacterial CelA genes that encode the catalytic subunit of cellulose synthase, derived from cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Also provided are genomic promoter regions to these encoding regions to cellulose synthase. Methods for using cellulose synthase in cotton fiber and wood quality modification are also provided.

Abstract: Novel DNA constructs are provided which may be used as molecular probes or inserted into a plant host to provide for modification of transcription of a DNA sequence of interest in cotton fiber, particularly in very early fiber development. The DNA constructs comprise a cotton fiber transcriptional initiation regulatory region associated with a gene which is expressed in cotton fiber.

Abstract: Provided is a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) promoter region from an expansin gene expressed in developing fiber.

Abstract: Provided are two plant cDNA clones that are homologs of the bacterial CelA genes that encode the catalytic subunit of cellulose synthase, derived from cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Also provided are genomic promoter regions to these encoding regions to cellulose synthase. Methods for using cellulose synthase in cotton fiber and wood quality modification are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are two plant cDNA clones that are homologs of the bacterial CelA genes that encode the catalytic subunit of cellulose synthase, derived from cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).

Abstract: Developmentally regulated transcriptional regulatory regions are identified employing cDNA screening. The resulting regulatory regions are manipulated for use with DNA sequences encoding enzymes involved in cytokinin metabolism for introduction into plant cells to provide transformed plants having tissue, particularly fruit, with a modified phenotypic property.

Abstract: Fruit specific regulatory regions are identified employing cDNA screening. The resulting fruit specific regulatory regions are manipulated for use with foreign sequences for introduction into plant cells to provide transformed plants having fruit with a modified phenotypic property. The invention is exemplified with a tomato fruit specific promoter which is active throughout the stages of fruit ripening.