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An Antisense Gene Stimulates Ethylene Hormone Production during Tomato Fruit Ripening
L. Penarrubia1, M. Aguilar, L. Margossian
1Department of Plant Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720.
The Plant Cell
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Fruit ripening involves ethylene hormone. Researchers studied the E8 protein
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Fruit ripening is regulated by ethylene hormone levels.
- The E8 protein is structurally related to 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic (ACC) oxidase, an enzyme in ethylene biosynthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of the E8 protein in fruit ripening.
- To determine the role of E8 in ethylene production during tomato fruit development.
Main Methods:
- Tomato plants were genetically modified using an E8 antisense gene.
- The accumulation of E8 protein and ethylene evolution were measured during fruit ripening.
Main Results:
- The E8 antisense gene successfully reduced E8 protein levels during ripening.
- Contrary to expectations, reducing E8 protein led to increased ethylene evolution in detached fruit.
- This suggests E8 negatively regulates ethylene production.
Conclusions:
- The E8 protein plays a role in controlling ethylene biosynthesis.
- E8 functions as a negative regulator of ethylene production in ripening fruit.
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