Cloning and characterization of BnKNAT2 from Brassica napus.

KNOTTED - like (KNOX) family gene KNAT plays pivotal roles in shoot apical meristem (SAM) development. BnKNAT gene from Brassica napus L. cv Zhongshuang 11 was cloned. The full - length ORF (984bp) included 5 exons encoding 327 amino acids, and 4 specific domains, namely KNOX1, KNOX2, ELK and Homeobox KN. 4 copies of BnKNAT2 were found in B. napus, and were expressed in primordia of main inflorescence, and 7 - day - old pods and stems after pollination. Overexpression construct pD1301S - BnKNAT2 driven by CaMV 35S promoter were conducted and transformed into Arabidopsis wild - type Col - 0 . A total of 21 positive transgenic lines (T2) were obtained, which showed morphologic variations of curled leaves, crouched leaves and corrugated leaf margin. In addition, their flowering date was delayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]