Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding an isopentenyl diphosphate biosynthetic enzyme. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the isopentenyl diphosphate biosynthetic enzyme, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the isopentenyl diphosphate biosynthetic enzyme in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: A method for the in vivo bioconversion of cyclic carotenes having a ?-ionone ring to the corresponding aryl carotene is provided. Gram negative host cells expressing a heterologous, codon-optimized gene encoding a carotene desaturase are grown in the presence of a suitable cyclic carotene substrate to effect the production of aromatic carotenoids.

Abstract: Disclosed are the uses of specific genes of the mevalonate and isoprenoid biosynthetic pathways, and of inactive gene sites (the pseudogene) to (1) enhance biosynthesis of isopentenyl diphosphate, dimethylallyl diphosphate and isoprenoid pathway derived products in the plastids of transgenic plants and microalgae, (2) create novel antibiotic resistant transgenic plants and microalgae, and (3) create a novel selection system and/or targeting sites for mediating the insertion of genetic material into plant and microalgae plastids. The specific polynucleotides to be used, solely or in any combination thereof, are publicly available from GeneBank and contain open reading frames having sequences that upon expression will produce active proteins with the following enzyme activities: (a) acetoacetyl CoA thiolase (EC 2.3.1.9), (b) 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) synthase (EC 4.1.3.5), (c) HMG-CoA reductase (EC 1.1.1.34), (d) mevalonate kinase (EC 2.7.1.36), (e) phosphomevalonate kinase (EC 2.7.4.

Abstract: A DNA encoding a flavone synthase that synthesizes flavones from flavanones, vectors containing said DNAs, and plants expressing same are disclosed. Methods of producing the protein which synthesizes flavones from flavanones, methods of altering the composition of flavonoids or the amount of flavonoids in a plant, methods of altering flower color and plant photosensitivity, and methods of controlling interactions between plants expressing the protein and microorganisms are also disclosed.

Abstract: A DNA encoding a flavone synthase that synthesizes flavones from flavanones, vectors containing said DNAs, and plants expressing same are disclosed. Methods of producing the protein which synthesizes flavones from flavanones, methods of altering the composition of flavonoids or the amount of flavonoids in a plant, methods of altering flower color and plant photosenstivity, and methods of controlling interactions between plants expressing the protein and microorganisms are also disclosed.

Abstract: Transgenic plants are created having incorporated into them a luciferase enzyme gene and a corresponding luciferin substrate gene. These genes are regulated such that for a certain amount of time after dark, these genes are expressed resulting in bioluminescence. Different luciferin/luciferase combinations may be utilized for these transgenic plants, depending on the desired wavelength and the plant species transfected.

Abstract: A method for manipulating the production of flavonoids other than anthocyanins in plants by manipulating gene activity in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway by expressing two or more genes encoding transcription factors for flavonoid biosynthesis, compositions for use in such a method and tomato plants having altered flavonoid levels are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel plant phenotype, designated Anthocyanin 1 (ANT1), a nucleic acid sequence expressed in plants demonstrating the ANT1 phenotype and the corresponding amino acid sequence. Also provided are plant cells and plants that exhibit modified ANT1 expression.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cDNA (complementary deoxyribonucleic acid) sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, transcribing a mRNA (messenger deoxyribonucleic acid), itself coding for the TOCB (terminal oxydase associated with carotenoid biosynthesis) represented by SEQ ID NO: 2, and the complementary sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, vectors transforming cell, plant or fragment of plant, and the method for modifying the production of carotenoids in a plant.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing plants and seeds having altered carotenoid, fatty acid and tocopherol compositions. The methods find particular use in increasing the carotenoid levels in oilseed plants and in providing desirable high oleic acid seed oils.

Abstract: DNA sequences encoding plant vde enzymes are provided herein. The sequences may be joined to heterologous DNA sequences for use as probes and in DNA constructs to modify the genotype of a host organism. DNA constructs and methods are provided to modify a host cell phenotype by altering the amount of photoprotection enzyme present in the host cell. In plastid containing host cells, zeaxanthin levels and sensitivity to light can be modified through alterations in the level of vde enzymes.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar, designated 0332120, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 0332120, to the plants of soybean 0332120 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing the cultivar 0332120 with itself or another soybean variety. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar 0332120 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: Genes have been isolated from strain DC260, a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family, encoding geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) synthetase (CrtE), phytoene synthase (CrtB), phytoene desaturase (CrtI), lycopene cyclase (CrtY), &bgr;-carotene hydroxylase (CrtZ), and zeaxanthin glucosyl transferase (CrtX) activity. The genes and their products are useful for the conversion of farnesyl pyrophosphate to carotenoids. Vectors containing those DNA segments, host cells containing the vectors and methods for producing those enzymes by recombinant DNA technology in transformed host organisms are disclosed.

Abstract: DNA obtained, for example, from snapdragon or torenia, encoding an enzyme that can convert flavanones directly to flavones, and its uses; the DNA and amino acid sequences for enzymes encoded thereby are listed as SEQ.ID. No. 1 & 2 and 3 & 4, for example. Introduction of the genes into plants can, for example, alter the flower colors of the plants.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods of selectively recognizing and/or eliminating potentially undesirable soybeans, from the soybean supply and/or selectively preserving specific soybean seed identities comprising: the genetic transformation of small variety soybeans; the separation and isolation of said soybeans; and, optionally, the replanting and harvesting of the soybeans, thereby resulting in stable transgenic lines.

Abstract: Introducing blocks of foreign genes in a single operon would avoid complications such as position effect and gene silencing inherent in putting one gene at a time into random locations in the nuclear genome. Cloning several genes into a single T-DNA does not avoid the compounded variable expression problem encountered in nuclear transgenic plants. This disclosure shows that a bacterial operon can be expressed in a single integration event as opposed to multiple events requiring several years to accomplish. Expression of multiple genes via a single transformation event opens the possibility of expressing foreign pathways or pharmaceutical proteins involving multiple genes. Expressing the Cry2aA2 operon, including a putative chaperonin to aid in protein folding, in the chloroplast via a single transformation event leads to production of crystalized insecticidal proteins.

Abstract: A genotype-independent method for efficiently carrying out pollen-mediated transformation of maize, tomato or melon is described. The method uses pollen pretreated with silicon carbide and DNA to produce transformed plants with high efficiency and reproducibility.

Abstract: There is provided a gene encoding a protein that has an activity of regulating the pH of vacuoles, for example a gene derived from morning glory encoding a protein that has the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2. By introducing this gene into a plant, the flower color can be regulated via the control of the pH of vacuoles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant viral vectors encoding a transcriptional unit, that encodes a fusion protein, or a foreign protein or a gene of interest to be silenced, which can be expressed in a host. The present invention also relates to the use of these recombinant viral vectors to express a fusion protein, a foreign protein, to silence a gene of interest in a host. The present invention also relates to the use of these recombinant viral vectors to screen a CDNA or genomic library in order to correlate a nucleotide sequence with a phenotypic or biochemical change.

Abstract: By analyzing the causative gene of tt19 mutants and elucidating the nature of the mutants, the present inventors found a novel gene as the causative gene and gave it the name TRANSPARENT TESTA (TT19) gene. The inventors cloned this gene and analyzed its DNA nucleotide sequence as well as the protein encoded by its DNA. The inventors also provided a transformed plant utilizing the nature of the identified causative gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nucleic acid construct comprising (a) an anti-sense gene of a sense gene encoding E. histolytica calcium binding protein or a portion of said anti-sense gene, wherein said sense gene is at least 90% similar to the nucleic sequence of SEQ ID No: 1, and wherein said portion of the anti-sense gene is of a size capable of disrupting translation of said calcium binding protein; and (b) a constitutive promoter and a nopaline synthase (nos) polyadenylation signal sequence both operatively linked to said gene or portion thereof; wherein said construct is useful for increasing the level of chlorophyll in plants, a transgenic plant containing said construct and a novel nucleic acid construct useful for developing stress-tolerant plants, comprising (a) a sense gene encoding E.

Abstract: Novel chimeric constructions and methods for their use are provided for expression of exogenous genes in a plant chloroplast. Particularly, expression is achieved by the use of a chloroplast or bacterial 5′ untranslated region in the expression cassette. The expression cassette may be integrated into the chloroplast genome by the use of chloroplast DNA flanking sequences, or may replicate autonomously if provided with a chloroplast origin of replication. Plants and cells containing the transformed chloroplasts are also provided. The constructs may be used with both monocotyledenous and dicotyledenous chloroplasts.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for mapping and characterizing catalytic domains in enzymes, preferably plant enzymes and those enzymes within the carotene synthesis family and more specifically &egr;-cyclase enzymes regulating formation of &egr;,&egr;-carotene. The methods include reverse PCR and site-directed mutagenesis for generating chimera and truncations or site-directed mutations of enzymes, respectively. These chimera, truncations or site directed mutants of &egr;-cyclase enzymes are useful in the characterization of the sequence residues conferring catalytic domains for the enzymes, and more specifically, the identification of single residues regulating catalytic activity for enzymes that are important in plant growth and photosynthesis. Chimeric enzymes generated by the methods of the invention can also be used to create transgenci hosts which are augmentated in their expression of specific carotene products.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for introducing heterologous sequences encoding a gene of interest into the plastid genome which do not rely on homologous recombination are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manipulating the production of flavonoids in tomatoes by manipulating gene activity in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway by expressing genes encoding chalcone isomerase, compositions for use in such a method and tomato plants having altered flavonoid levels are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel rice cultivar, designated C3GHi, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of rice cultivar C3GHi, to the plants of rice C3Ghi, which contain 2371 mg of cyanidin 3-glucoside pigment per 100 g of seeds, of which pigment content is much higher than an existing rice cultivar Heugjinju.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nucleic acid sequences encoding flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (hereinafter referred to as “F3′H”) and their use in the manipulation of pigmentation in flowers of plants.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which relate to translocating an RNA corresponding to a gene or gene fragment into the chloroplast by means of a chloroplast localization sequence. Additionally plant cells are described in which the chloroplast contains a ribozyme fused at one end to an RNA encoding a fragment of the protein such that the ribozyme can trans-splice the translocated fusion RNA to the RNA encoding the gene fragment to form an intact mRNA encoding a functional protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing plants containing increased quantities of tocopherols, vitamin K, carotinoids, chlorophylls and polyterpenes by overexpression of a DXPRI gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genes encoding proteins involved in prokaryotic type or plastid division and/or morphology and the encoded proteins, and in particular to isolated Ftn2 (ARC6), ARC5, and Fzo-like genes and polypeptides. The present invention also provides methods for using Ftn2 (ARC6), ARC5, and Fzo-like genes, and polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of a regulatory gene Lc and encoded protein to alter the biosynthesis and accumulation of flavonoids including anthocyanins and condensed tannins in plants and plant tissues, particularly in alfalfa, white clover, and other forage legumes which are similar in lacking native condensed tannin accumulation in leaves. The identification of the effects of this gene in alfalfa provide a mechanism for altering flavonoid, anthocyanin and condensed tannin production in forage legumes and allows one to alter such levels to produce a variety of benefits in the field of agriculture, animal farming and food technology in general.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated DNA molecule selected from the group: a promoter-effective DNA molecule of Gossypium which is operable in embryonic seed tissues and a promoter-effective DNA molecule of Gossypium which is operable in chlorophyllous tissues. Use of the promoter-effective DNA molecules in chimeric genes, and preparation of expression systems, host cells, transgenic plants, and transgenic plant seeds containing such chimeric gene is also disclosed. Methods of expressing a heterologous mRNA molecule or protein or polypeptide in chlorophyllous tissue of plants or embryonic seed tissues are also disclosed.

Abstract: Membranous bacteria that produce astaxanthin and other carotenoids are described, as well as isolated nucleic acids and expression vectors that can be used for producing carotenoids in microorganisms.

Abstract: Transgenic grass plants which exhibit a color different from the color exhibited by the corresponding non-transgenic grass plants under conditions of stress are provided Examples of such conditions include, but are not limited to, lack of fertilizer, lack of water, and attack by insects or pathogens. The genome of the transgenic grass plant comprises a transgene comprising a nucleic acid which encodes one or more regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis, and an inducible promoter which is responsive to a stress condition, such as for example, nutrient deprivation, water deprivation, and attack by a pathogen.

Abstract: The invention includes modified Mazus chalcone synthase (CHS) nucleic acids, which encode a modified chalcone synthase that has alanine instead of cysteine at the 165th amino acid of Mazus CHS and either glycine or lysine instead of methionine at the 138th amino acid of Mazus CHS. The property of the encoded modified Mazus CHS is characterized by its dominant-negative inhibition of CHS. The invention also includes plants having at least one cell expressing the modified Mazus CHS. Such plants are characterized by the decreased content of anthocyanins. The invention also includes vectors comprising at least a portion of the modified Mazus CHS nucleic acids. The invention also includes methods using such vectors for producing plants having the decreased content of anthocyanins.

Abstract: The formation of a carotenoid compound containing a 4-keto-&bgr;-ionene ring such as astaxanthin or canthaxanthin in flowers, and particularly in the corolla and reproductive parts of a flower of a higher plant whose flowers produce a carotenoid compound containing a &bgr;-ionene ring such as &bgr;-carotene or zeaxanthin, but otherwise do not produce astaxanthin or canthaxanthin is disclosed. One or more genes controlled by a promoter are inserted (transformed) into a higher plant. The inserted gene encodes a chimeric enzyme including (a) a carotenoid-forming enzyme that is at least a ketolase. That gene is operatively linked to (b) a plastid-directed transit peptide. Some higher plants to be transformed produce at least zeaxanthin or &bgr;-carotene in their flowers prior to transformation, whereas other plants produce little if any colored carotenoid pigments prior to transformation and are transformed with a cassette of carotenoids-forming genes.

Abstract: The invention includes modified dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) nucleic acids encoding the modified DFR that has altered amino acid sequences at the substrate specificity determining region. The property of the modified DFR is characterized by its ability to reduce dihydrokaempferol (DHK) preferentially over dihydroquercetin (DHQ), and dihydromyricetin (DHM). The invention also includes plants having at least one cell expressing the modified DFR. Such plants are characterized by the increased content of pelargonidin-based pigments. The invention also includes vectors comprising at least a portion of the modified DFR nucleic acids. The invention also includes methods using such vectors for producing plants having the increased content of pelargonidin-based pigments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel plant phenotype, designated Anthocyanin 1 (ANT1), a nucleic acid sequence expressed in plants demonstrating the ANT1 phenotype and the corresponding amino acid sequence. Also provided are plant cells and plants that exhibit modified ANT1 expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the DNA sequence for eukaryotic genes encoding &egr; cyclase isolated from romaine lettuce as well as vectors containing the same and hosts transformed with said vectors. The present invention provides methods for controlling the ratio of various carotenoids in a host and to the production of novel carotenoid pigments. The present invention also provides a method for treating disease by administering carotenoids obtained from transformed hosts, or by administering a composition containing the transformed hosts.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing plants and seeds having altered carotenoid, fatty acid and tocopherol compositions. The methods find particular use in increasing the carotenoid and tocopherol levels in oilseed plants, and in providing desirable high oleic acid seed oils.

Abstract: The present invention includes modified phytochrome A (PHYA) nucleic acid molecules in which DNA sequences coding for “active site” amino acid residues have been mutated to generate hyperactive phytochromes. In particular; a serine/threonine residue at the hinge between the N- and C-terminal domains as well as at the N-terminal serine/threonine cluster of phytochromes (e.g., serine-598 and serine-7 in oat phytochrome A) for (a) Pr/Pfr-dependent phosphorylation and (b) dephosphorylation by a phytochrome phosphatase (PP2A) was substituted with alanine. (c) In addition, amino acid residues within the phytochrome chromophore pocket are mutated to generate the bathchromic shift of the Pr-absorption band of both wild type and above-mentioned mutant phytochromes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing transgenic plants by means of modified 5-aminolevulinic acid biosynthesis, transgenic plant cells, transgenic plant parts, transgenic seeds, and transgenic reproduction material. The invention is characterised in that one or several nucleic acid molecules coding for a protein with a 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase function (ALAS), selected from a group of feedback regulated ALAS, animal ALAS and bacterial ALAS, an active fragment thereof or an antisense or complementary sequence thereof, are integrated into the plant genome in a stable form. Effectors of natural 5-aminolevulinic acid biosynthesis in plants are found using a method for determining effector efficacy of a test substance in relation to a GSAAT, by: a) determining the enzymatic activity of the GSAAT in the absence of a test substance b) determining the enzymatic activity of the GSAAT in the presence of a test substance; and c) by comparing the enzymatic activities determined under a) and b).

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 stamen cells of the plant. The foreign DNA sequence also optionally encodes a marker.

Abstract: Genes isolated from Methylomonas sp. 16a have been determined to play a role in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. Specifically, crtN2 gene has the ability to produce omega-aldehyde functional groups on carotenogenic substrates, while the ald gene produced omega carboxyl functional groups. These genes will be useful for production of high levels of functionalized carotenoid compounds, especially those produced in microorganisms which metabolize single carbon substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a genetic sequence encoding a polypeptide having aromatic acyl group transfer activity and the use of the genetic sequence and/or its corresponding polypeptide thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides a genetic sequence encoding a polypeptide having aromatic acyl group transfer activity derived from Petunia, Nierembergia and Viola spp. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a genetic sequence encoding a polypeptide having aromatic acyl group transferase activity to anthocyanidin-rutinoside. The present invention also provides a genetic sequence encoding a polypeptide having aromatic acyl group transferase activity to anthocyanidin 3-O-rutinoside. The instant invention further relates to antisense and sense molecules corresponding to all or part of the subject genetic sequence as well as genetically modified plants as well as cut flowers, parts and reproductive tissue from such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for identifying transformed cells. The method comprises introducing a visual marker polynucleotide into a plant cell and providing a growth stimulation protein. The compositions comprise a visual marker polynucleotide and a growth stimulation polynucleotide. Also provided are expression cassettes, plant cells, plant parts, and plants comprising same.

Abstract: The present invention provides means and methods of transforming bacteria, fungi including yeast, animal and plant cells, seeds, tissues and whole plants in order to yield transformants capable of expressing novel &bgr;-carotene dioxygenases and accumulating important metabolites of the carotene/retinoid pathway such as vitamin A aldehyde and retinoic acid. The present invention further provides means and methods to biotechnically produce retinoids using cells, tissues, organs or whole organisms which natively or after transformation accumulate &bgr;-carotene or which take up &bgr;-carotene from the medium. The present invention also provides DNA molecules encoding symmetrically and asymmetrically cleaving &bgr;-carotene dioxygenases derived from different sources and taxonomic groups of living organisms designed to be suitable for carrying out the method of the invention, and plasmids or vector systems comprising said molecules.

Abstract: A transformed plant is described. The transformed plant comprises an exogenous transparent seed coat gene obtained from an AA genome.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated TCMRP nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel TCMRPs from e.g. Phycomitrella patens are described. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing TCMRP nucleic acid molecules, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. The invention still further provides isolated TCMRPs, mutated TCMRPs, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and methods for the improvement of production of a desired compound from transformed cells, organisms or plants based on genetic engineering of TCMRP genes in these organisms.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to nucleic acid molecules isolated from Oryza sativa comprising nucleotide sequences that encode RAR1 proteins involved in disease resistance, and the RAR1 polypeptides. The invention particularly relates to methods of altering the expressing nucleic acid molecules encoding RAR1 proteins in transgenic plants to alter the level disease resistance, and to transgenic plants, progeny and seed therefrom, having altered enhanced disease resistance. The invention further relates to methods of enhancing expression of R resistance genes, disease resistance signal transduction genes, genes involved in mediating disease resistance or involved in the synthesis of molecules mediating disease resistance. The invention also relates to methods of regulating the expression of other coding sequences of interest by increasing the expression of the nucleic acid molecules of the invention.