Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate Oxidase (ACC) is essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of ACC gene expression in plant seedlings results in reduced and severely stunted growth, and chlorosis. Thus, ACC can be used as a target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit ACC expression or activity, comprising: contacting a compound with an ACC and detecting the presence and/or absence of binding between said compound and said an ACC, or detecting a decrease in ACC expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of herbicides.

Abstract: Morphological markers are used in a method of visually identifying plants transformed with a nucleotide sequence (e.g., a heterologous gene). The nucleotide sequence is transformed into a plant that exhibits an abnormal phenotype for a morphological marker. If the transformation of the plant is successful, the progeny of the transformed plant will exhibit a normal phenotype. In a preferred embodiment, the plant is Arabidopsis and the morphological marker is Gl1, which is associated with trichome production on plant leaves. The method is also useful for identifying plants that are homozygous for the transformed gene, and for identifying transformants in the T2 generation that are true crosses, rather than self-crosses.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that Thioredoxin (TRX) is essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of TRX gene expression in plant seedlings results in seedling deformities, reduced and severely stunted growth, and chlorosis. Thus, TRX can be used as a target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit TRX expression or activity, comprising: contacting a compound with a TRX and detecting the presence and/or absence of binding between said compound and said a TRX, or detecting a decrease in TRX expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of herbicides.

Abstract: Isolated nucleotide compositions and sequences are provided for Arabidopsis thaliana genes. The nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related genes; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of its encoded protein, mapping functional regions of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. The genetic sequences may also be used for the genetic manipulation of cells, particularly of plant cells. The encoded gene products and modified organisms are useful for screening of biologically active agents, e.g. fungicides, insecticides, etc.; for elucidating biochemical pathways; and the like.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that the polypeptide encoded by the cDNA of SEQ ID NO:1 is essential for plant growth. Thus, this polypeptide can be used as a target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit the expression or activity of the polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID NO:2. Such compounds have use as herbicides. In addition, methods and compositions for modulating plant growth and development are provided.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) is essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition PPDK gene expression in plant seedlings results in significant developmental abnormalities, including abnormal cotyledon development, abnormal or aborted primary leaf development and significantly reduced growth. Thus, PPDK can be used as a target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit PPDK expression or activity, comprising: contacting a compound with a PPDK and detecting the presence and/or absence of binding between said compound and said a PPDK, or detecting a decrease in PPDK expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of herbicides.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that the germin-like polypeptides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 are essential for plant growth. Thus, these polypeptides can be used as targets for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit the expression or activity of the polypeptides encoded by SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10. Such compounds have use as herbicides. In addition, methods and compositions for modulating plant growth and development are provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses that 2′-hydroxyisoflavone reductase (IFR) is essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of IFR gene expression in plant seedlings results in seedlings that fail to produce roots or leaves. Thus, IFR is a useful target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides compositions and methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit IFR expression or activity.

Abstract: Isolated nucleotide compositions and sequences are provided for Arabidopsis thaliana genes. The nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related genes; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of its encoded protein, mapping functional regions of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. The genetic sequences may also be used for the genetic manipulation of cells, particularly of plant cells. The encoded gene products and modified organisms are useful for screening of biologically active agents, e.g. fungicides, insecticides, etc.; for elucidating biochemical pathways; and the like.

Abstract: Isolated nucleotide compositions and sequences are provided for Arabidopsis thaliana genes. The nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related genes; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of its encoded protein, mapping functional regions of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. The genetic sequences may also be used for the genetic manipulation of cells, particularly of plant cells. The encoded gene products and modified organisms are useful for screening of biologically active agents, e.g. fungicides, insecticides, etc.; for elucidating biochemical pathways; and the like.

Abstract: Isolated nucleotide compositions and sequences are provided for Arabidopsis thaliana genes. The nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related genes; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of its encoded protein, mapping functional regions of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. The genetic sequences may also be used for the genetic manipulation of cells, particularly of plant cells. The encoded gene products and modified organisms are useful for screening of biologically active agents, e.g. fungicides, insecticides, etc.; for elucidating biochemical pathways; and the like.

Abstract: Isolated nucleotide compositions and sequences are provided for Arabidopsis thaliana genes. The nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related genes; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of its encoded protein, mapping functional regions of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. The genetic sequences may also be used for the genetic manipulation of cells, particularly of plant cells. The encoded gene products and modified organisms are useful for screening of biologically active agents, e.g. fungicides, insecticides, etc.; for elucidating biochemical pathways; and the like.

Abstract: Isolated nucleotide compositions and sequences are provided for Arabidopsis thaliana genes. The nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related genes; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of its encoded protein, mapping functional regions of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. The genetic sequences may also be used for the genetic manipulation of cells, particularly of plant cells. The encoded gene products and modified organisms are useful for screening of biologically active agents, e.g. fungicides, insecticides, etc.; for elucidating biochemical pathways; and the like.

Abstract: Isolated nucleotide compositions and sequences are provided for Arabidopsis thaliana genes. The nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related genes; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of its encoded protein, mapping functional regions of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. The genetic sequences may also be used for the genetic manipulation of cells, particularly of plant cells. The encoded gene products and modified organisms are useful for screening of biologically active agents, e.g. fungicides, insecticides, etc.; for elucidating biochemical pathways; and the like.

Abstract: Morphological markers are used in a method of visually identifying plants transformed with a nucleotide sequence (e.g., a heterologous gene). The nucleotide sequence is transformed into a plant that exhibits an abnormal phenotype for a morphological marker. If the transformation of the plant is successful, the progeny of the transformed plant will exhibit a normal phenotype. In a preferred embodiment, the plant is Arabidopsis and the morphological marker is Gl1, which is associated with trichome production on plant leaves. The method is also useful for identifying plants that are homozygous for the transformed gene, and for identifying transformants in the T2 generation that are true crosses, rather than self-crosses.

Abstract: Isolated nucleotide compositions and sequences are provided for Arabidopsis thaliana genes. The nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related genes; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of its encoded protein, mapping functional regions of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. The genetic sequences may also be used for the genetic manipulation of cells, particularly of plant cells. The encoded gene products and modified organisms are useful for screening of biologically active agents, e.g. fungicides, insecticides, etc.; for elucidating biochemical pathways; and the like.