Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a variety of methods for generating functional thioredoxin reductase variants in which at least one physical, chemical or biological property of the variant is altered in a specific and desired manner when compared to the wild-type protein.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated Hm2 nucleic acids, and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering Hm2 concentration and/or composition of plants. The invention further provides expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions. Also, the invention provides methods of identifying plant transformation by survival of transformed plant cells or tissues on a cyclic tetrapeptide toxin. The invention further provides methods of imparting disease resistance to plants susceptible to fungal pathogens, which utilize cyclic tetrapeptide toxins.

Abstract: Histone deacetylases and nucleotide sequences encoding said histone deacetylases are provided. The sequences as well as corresponding antisense constructs are useful for modulating gene activity in plants. Additionally, the sequences are useful for enhancing disease resistance in transformed plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to the genetic manipulation of organisms, particularly to the expression of P-glycoprotein genes in transformed organisms, preferably plants. Nucleotide sequences for the P-glycoprotein genes, particularly the Br2 gene of maize, and methods for their use are provided. The sequences find use in modifying the growth of organisms, particularly plants.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing disease resistance to a pathogen in a plant are provided. Methods of the invention comprise stably transforming a plant with an antisense nucleotide sequence for a gene encoding an enzyme in the C-5 porphyrin metabolic pathway and operably linking said antisense sequence to a pathogen-inducible promoter, such that invasion of a cell by a pathogen elicits a hypersensitive-like response that results in confinement of the pathogen to cells of initial contact. Transformed plants and seeds are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding a wild-type maize urod gene useful in the present invention and the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded thereby are provided. These compositions are also useful for regulating cell death in specifically targeted tissues. A maize lesion mimic, dominant mutant phenotype, designated Les22, and the molecular basis for its manifestation are also provided.

Abstract: Histone deacetylases and nucleotide sequences encoding said histone deacetylases are provided. The sequences as well as corresponding antisense constructs are useful for modulating gene activity in plants. Additionally, the sequences are useful for enhancing disease resistance in transformed plants.

Abstract: Insertions into a gene of known sequence can be generated by crossing two parent plants, one of which contains a transposable element, to produce F1 progeny plants in which the insertion is detected by means of a PCR. F1 progeny plants containing such an insertion are self-fertilized to produce F2 progeny which are homozygous for the insertion. The function of a gene disabled by the insertion can be ascertained from a comparison of the phenotype of the F2 progeny with a parental phenotype. Large numbers of F1 progeny can be tested simultaneously for the presence of insertions. A collection of F2 seed can be stored and used for phenotype comparison when an insertion is detected.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing disease resistance to a pathogen in a plant are provided. Methods of the invention comprise stably transforming a plant with an antisense nucleotide sequence for a gene encoding an enzyme in the C-5 porphyrin metabolic pathway and operably linking said antisense sequence to a pathogen-inducible promoter, such that invasion of a cell by a pathogen elicits a hypersensitive-like response that results in confinement of the pathogen to cells of initial contact. Transformed plants and seeds are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding a wild-type maize urod gene useful in the present invention and the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded thereby are provided. These compositions are also useful for regulating cell death in specifically targeted tissues. A maize lesion mimic, dominant mutant phenotype, designated Les22, and the molecular basis for its manifestation are also provided.

Abstract: Histone deacetylases and nucleotide sequences encoding said histone deacetylases are provided. The sequences as well as corresponding antisense constructs are useful for modulating gene activity in plants. Additionally, the sequences are useful for enhancing disease resistance in transformed plants.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods and compositions for suppressing cell death in plants. Specifically, novel proteins and genes are provided for use in plant transformation. The proteins and genes are useful for activating disease resistance, enhancing plant cell transformation efficiency, engineering herbicide resistance, genetically targeting cell ablations, and other methods involving the regulation of cell death in plants.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods and compositions for suppressing cell death in plants. Specifically, novel proteins and genes are provided for use in plant transformation. The proteins and genes are useful for activating disease resistance, enhancing plant cell transformation efficiency, engineering herbicide resistance, genetically targeting cell ablations, and other methods involving the regulation of cell death in plants.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing disease resistance to a pathogen in a plant are provided. Methods of the invention comprise stably transforming a plant with an antisense nucleotide sequence for a gene encoding an enzyme in the C-5 porphyrin metabolic pathway and operably linking the antisense sequence to a pathogen-inducible promoter, such that invasion of a cell by a pathogen elicits a hypersensitive-like response that results in confinement of the pathogen to cells of initial contact. Transformed plants and seeds are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding a wild-type maize urod gene useful in the present invention and the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded thereby are provided. These compositions are also useful for regulating cell death in specifically targeted tissues. A maize lesion mimic, dominant mutant phenotype, designated Les22, and the molecular basis for its manifestation are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated Hm2 nucleic acids. The invention further provides expression cassettes, transferred host cells, and transgenic plants. Also, the invention provides methods of imparting disease resistance to plants susceptible to fungal pathogens, which utilize cyclic tetrapeptide toxins.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to genes from maize encoding proteins which suppress plant cell death and methods of plant transformation therewith.

Abstract: Insertions into a gene of known sequence can be generated by crossing two parent plants, one of which contains a transposable element, to produce F.sub.1 progeny plants in which the insertion is detected by means of a PCR. F.sub.1 progeny plants containing such an insertion are self-fertilized to produce F.sub.2 progeny which are homozygous for the insertion. The function of a gene disabled by the insertion can be ascertained from a comparison of the phenotype of the F.sub.2 progeny with a parental phenotype. Large numbers of F.sub.1 progeny can be tested simultaneously for the presence of insertions. A collection of F.sub.2 seed can be stored and used for phenotype comparison when an insertion is detected.

Abstract: A process is described in which PCR-based cDNA libraries with anchored ends are made, a PCR-based cDNA subtracted (PCSUB) library is produced therefrom, and the ends of a cDNA clone are isolated, via PCR, from an anchored-ends library.

Abstract: A process is described in which PCR-based cDNA libraries with anchored ends are made, a PCR-based cDNA subtracted (PCSUB) library is produced therefrom, and the ends of a cDNA clone are isolated, via PCR, from an anchored-ends library.

Abstract: Genes controlling gibberellic biosynthesis are used in genetic engineering to alter plant development. Alterations in the nature or quantity of products of the genes affects plant development. A family of An genes in monocots encodes a cyclase involved in the early steps of gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis. Members of the family are identified in wheat, barley, sorghum and maize. Two members of the family, the genes An1 and An2, are identified in maize. The An1 gene is cloned and the function of the gene is characterized. An2 is isolated and identified by homology to An1. Using recombinant genetic technology, GA levels are manipulated. Changes in GA levels alter monocot plant phenotypes, for example, increasing or decreasing height and fertility.

Abstract: Genes controlling gibberellic biosynthesis are used in genetic engineering to alter plant development. Alterations in the nature or quantity of products of the genes affects plant development. A family of genes in monocots encodes a cyclase involved in the early steps of gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis. A member of the family, the gene An1, is identified in maize and cloned and the function of the gene is characterized. Using recombinant genetic technology, GA levels are manipulated. Changes in GA levels alter monocot plant phenotypes, for example, height and fertility.

Abstract: A methodology for ascertaining gene function entails selection of mutations in androgenetic haploids which are produced by fertilizing a maize plant carrying the indeterminate gametophyte gene (ig) with pollen obtained from a mutagenized plant. Genes that control quantitative characters can be identified, for example, by fertilizing a first inbred carrying the ig gene with pollen from a second inbred that has been mutagenized. Changes in the phenotype of the hybrid progeny then are identified and characterized. A method for direct selection of androgenetic haploids is provided.