In situ detection of transposition of the maize controlling element (Ac) in transgenic soybean tissues

The development of a transposon mutagenesis system in soybean would aid in the isolation of unknown genes. The maize controlling element (Ac) has, therefore, been introduced into the soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) genome byAgrobacterium-mediated transformation.Ac was inserted into the untranslated leader region of the bacterial ß-glucuronidase gene (GUS) such that the excision ofAc resulted in restoration of the GUS gene activity. Excision events of theAc element were monitored by detecting blue cells or sectors in transgenic soybean tissues. Using the GUS gene assay and with hybridization data, we have demonstrated that theAc element transposes in transgenic soybean calli, leaves, stems, and roots.