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A gene coding for tomato fruit beta-galactosidase II is expressed during fruit ripening. Cloning, characterization,
D L Smith1, D A Starrett, K C Gross
1Horticultural Crops Quality Laboratory, Plant Sciences Institute, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Building 002, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350, USA.
Plant Physiology
|June 25, 1998
Summary
Researchers cloned the gene for tomato beta-galactosidase II, an enzyme crucial for fruit ripening. This enzyme
Area of Science:
- Plant Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Beta-galactosidases (EC 3.2.1.23) are enzymes that hydrolyze beta-D-galactosyl residues.
- Several plant beta-galactosidases degrade cell wall galactans, but the gene for tomato fruit beta-galactosidase II was previously uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone the gene encoding tomato beta-galactosidase II.
- To investigate the expression pattern of this gene during tomato fruit ripening.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of a cDNA (pTombetagal 4) corresponding to beta-galactosidase II.
- Northern-blot analysis to determine gene expression levels during ripening stages.
- Sequence analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence.
Main Results:
- The cDNA pTombetagal 4 was cloned and confirmed to encode beta-galactosidase II.
- The gene transcript is expressed during tomato fruit ripening, peaking at the turning stage.
- Expression was detected in all fruit tissues, with highest levels in the peel.
Conclusions:
- The cloned gene pTombetagal 4 is expressed during tomato fruit ripening.
- The deduced protein sequence suggests it is a secreted enzyme with potential N-glycosylation sites.
- This provides molecular insight into beta-galactosidase function in fruit development.
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