Abstract: An isolated DNA molecule is provided coding for a polypeptide of the 11-12 transmembrane domain transporter family having a Mg2+/H+ or Zn2+/H+ exchange activity, herein designated MHX. The genomic MHX DNA was isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana cv. C-24. Transgenic plants transformed with said DNA and expressing MHX are shown to have a lower content of sodium as compared with corresponding wild-type plants or a higher dry matter weight upon growth in calcium-rich media as compared with corresponding wild-type plants. These transgenic plants are tolerant to stress conditions, particularly high salinity and calcium-rich media, e.g. saline and calcareous soils.

Abstract: Chimaeric DNA sequence which encodes: 1) a transmit peptide of a cytoplasmic precursor of a chloroplast protein or polypeptide of a plant and 2) a protein or polypeptide that is heterologous to the transit peptide. The chimaeric DNA sequence can be used as a vector for transforming a plant cell so that a chimaeric precursor of the heterologous protein or polypeptide is produced in the cytoplasm of the cell and the chimaeric precursor then transports the heterologous protein or polypeptide in vivo into a chloroplast of the cell.

Abstract: Chimaeric DNA sequence which encodes: 1) a transit peptide of a cytoplasmic precursor of a chloroplast protein or polypeptide of a plant and 2) a protein or polypeptide that is heterologous to the transit peptide. The chimaeric DNA sequence can be used as a vector for transforming a plant cell so that a chimaeric precursor of the heterologous protein or polypeptide is produced in the cytoplasm of the cell and the chimaeric precursor then transports the heterologous protein or polypeptide in vivo into a chloroplast of the cell.

Abstract: The biosynthesis of lignin in plants is regulated by insertion into the plant genome by altering the plant's ability to synthesise the enzyme O-methyl transferase, an enzyme involved in the lignin biosynthetic pathway. Production of O-methyl-transferase may be enhanced by insertion into the plant genome by transformation of one or more additional copies of the O-methyl-transferase gene or production may be inhibited by insertion of a gene encoding anti-sense mRNA directed against the mRNA encoded by the endogenous O-methyl-transferase gene.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding a crucifer ACC synthase polypeptide; a promoter functional in immature plant tissues which is capable of ethylene induction; and methods of using such promoters to express recombinant proteins or RNA and to regulate ethylene-inducible events of a plant, e.g., fruit ripening or senescence, especially during early stages of plant development.

Abstract: A plant, the nuclear genome of which is transformed with a foreign DNA sequence encoding a product which selectively disrupts the metabolism, functioning and/or development of cells of the flowers, particularly one or more of their female organs, or the seeds or the embryos of the plant. The foreign DNA sequence also optionally encodes a marker.

Abstract: Chimaeric DNA sequence which encodes: 1) a transit peptide of a cytoplasmic precursor of a chloroplast protein or polypeptide of a plant and 2) a protein or polypeptide that is heterologous to the transit peptide. The chimaeric DNA sequence can be used as a vector for transforming a plant cell so that a chimaeric precursor of the heterologous protein or polypeptide is produced in the cytoplasm of the cell and the chimaeric precursor then transports the heterologous protein or polypeptide in vivo into a chloroplast of the cell.

Abstract: A chimaeric DNA sequence comprising:a) a nucleic acid sequence coding for a chimaeric protein or polypeptide comprising in sequence:1) a transit peptide of a cytoplasmatic precursor of a chloroplast protein or polypeptide of a plant species, and,2) a protein or polypeptide of interest which is different from a mature chloroplast protein or polypeptide contained in a natural cytoplasmatic precursor thereof, and,b) a promoter upstream of the nucleic acid sequence recognized by polymerases endogenous to a plant, whereby the chimaeric DNA sequence can be expressed in cells of the plant under the control of the promoter and the protein or polypeptide of interest can be translocated in the chloroplasts of the cells of the plant.

Abstract: The invention concerns female-sterile plants that comprise a foreign DNA incorporated in the nuclear genome of their cells. This foreign DNA first comprises a female-sterility DNA encoding a protein or polypeptide such as barnase which, when produced in the cells of the plant, kills or significantly disturbs the metabolism, functioning or development of the cells. The foreign DNA also comprises a first promoter which directs expression of the female-sterility DNA selectively in style cells, stigma cells or style-and stigma cells of the female reproductive organs of the plants. The first promoter does not direct detectable expression of the female sterility DNA in the ovule or in other parts of the plant so that the plant remains male-fertile. The female-sterility DNA is in the same transcriptional unit as and under the control of the first promoter.

Abstract: A process for the production of plants with increased content of appropriate amino acids having high nutritional properties through the modification of plant genes encoding plant storage proteins, particularly the 2S albumins. Seed-forming plants susceptible to Agrobacterium transformation, the genome of which plants includes a recombinant DNA encoding a precursor of a modified 2S albumin, under the control of a promoter, are described, including the particular recombinant DNA.