Isolation of the aldose reductase gene (XvAld1) from the resurrection plant Xerophyta viscosa, and characterisation of the gene product and transgenic plants expressing the gene
Doctoral Thesis
2007
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
The Xerophyta viscosa aldose reductase cDNA (XvAld1) was isolated from a dehydration library. Gene transcripts that are upregulated during stress are normally involved in protection and/ or adaptation, leading to stress tolerance. The genomic organisation of XvAld1 was characterised using Southern blot analysis and DNA sequencing. The results revealed more than one copy of the gene with a complex banding pattern that was partially resolved by sequencing. The sequencing of PCRamplified genomic clones showed that the gene is organised into nine exons and eight introns spanning ~2.9 kb. The observed nucleotide differences between the sequenced clones could reflect polymorphisms between different copies of the gene. An 870-bp clone of the 5′ untranslated region, matching the 5′ leader sequence on the XvAld1 cDNA was analysed for cis-acting response elements. Many of the sequence motifs matched those for hormonal regulation, organ specific expression, dehydration, high or low temperature responses, light and phytochrome responsiveness, wounding, as well as G-box, CAAT and TATA-boxes.
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Includes abstract.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 170-209).
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Maredza, A. 2007. Isolation of the aldose reductase gene (XvAld1) from the resurrection plant Xerophyta viscosa, and characterisation of the gene product and transgenic plants expressing the gene. University of Cape Town.