Abstract: The objective is to isolate and identify a gene relating to the regeneration ability of a plant, and to provide the gene and methods of use thereof. Isogenic lines to which culture characteristics of Konansou was introduced were produced by backcrossing. Culture cells were induced from this isogenic line and its parent variety. After confirming the regeneration ability of culture cells cultured for 3 to 6 months, isolation of a gene expressed in culture cells derived from Konansou and an isogenic line having a high regeneration ability, but not expressed in culture cells derived from Sasanishiki and Koshihikari was conducted using the differential display method. As a result, a regeneration-related gene was successfully cloned.

Abstract: The objective is to isolate and identify a gene relating to the regeneration ability of a plant, and to provide the gene and methods of use thereof. Isogenic lines to which culture characteristics of Konansou was introduced were produced by backcrossing. Culture cells were induced from this isogenic line and its parent variety. After confirming the regeneration ability of culture cells cultured for 3 to 6 months, isolation of a gene expressed in culture cells derived from Konansou and an isogenic line having a high regeneration ability, but not expressed in culture cells derived from Sasanishiki and Koshihikari was conducted using the differential display method. As a result, a regeneration-related gene was successfully cloned.

Abstract: Transgenic plants capable of metabolizing drugs are constructed by introducing a drug-metabolizing P450 molecular species into plants. These plants are capable of detoxifying and metabolizing foreign compounds such as environmental loads and extrinsic endocrine disruptors including drugs, poisons, and agrochemicals. Thus, they are highly useful when applied to field crops, etc. Also, a method for selecting the drug-metabolizing P450 molecular species is provided.

Abstract: A method for transferring a long-chain DNA into protoplasts, comprising the steps of: (a) mixing a suspension of protoplasts, polyethylene glycol, and a long-chain DNA to give a final concentration of the DNA of at least 50 .mu.g/ml; (b) collecting, washing, and culturing the protoplasts in a medium; and (c) selecting transformed cells, is provided. By this gene transfer method, long-chain DNA can be conveniently transferred into a wide variety of plant cells.