Search

The expression pattern of genes related to ethylene and polyamine biosynthesis were analyzed in octoploid strawberry fruits in different ripening phases. RNA was isolated from Fragaria x ananassa Duch cv. Asia and used to synthesize cDNA by reverse transcriptase enzyme, which was applied in qPCR with primers designed for S-adenosyl-L-methionine synthases (FaSAMS1-3), S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylases (FaSAMDC1-3), arginine decarboxylase (FaADC), spermidine synthase (FaSPDS), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthases (FaACS1-4) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (FaACO1-4) gene sequences. Based on the comparison made between the expression patterns of ethylene- and polyaminerelated genes and those of the common precursor- and pathway shift-related genes, it appeared that with the exception of FaSAMS2, FaSAMDC1 and FaSAMDC2, the genes involved in polyamine biosynthesis showed decreasing level of expression as ripening proceeded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant hormone ethylene is involved in many plant processes ranging from seed germination to leaf and flower senescence and fruit ripening. Ethylene is synthesized from methionine, via S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) and 1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC). The key ethylene biosynthetic enzymes are ACC synthase (ACS) and ACC oxidase (ACO). Manipulation of ethylene biosynthesis by chemicals and gene technology is discussed. Biotechnological modification of ethylene synthesis is a promising method to prevent spoilage of agricultural and horticultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]