Abstract: A series of independent non-transgenic mutations found in the fruit PG gene of tomato; tomato plants having these mutations in their fruit PG gene; and a method of creating and identifying similar and/or additional mutations in the PG gene by screening pooled and/or individual tomato plants. The tomato plants of the present invention exhibit reduced PG enzyme activity and fruit that soften more slowly post harvest without having the inclusion of foreign nucleic acids in their genomes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and general reverse genetic strategy for use in organisms where well-developed genetic tools are lacking. In particular, the method comprises contacting an organism or cell with a mutagen which primarily induces point mutations in the genomic DNA; preparing DNA from the organism or cell; amplification of a genomic region of interest; and screening for changes in the mutagenized DNA sequence in the genomic region of interest as compared to the parent organism or cell. Screening for mutations can comprise detection of heteroduplexes to identify a mutant organism or cell. The methods of the present invention are particularly useful for identifying functional mutations in plants.

Abstract: Identification of MYC target genes whose expression is either induced or repressed by c-myc induction in human fibroblasts is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of inducing or repressing expression of MYC target genes.