Chromoplast-Targeted Proteins in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Fruit.

AUTOR(ES)

Lawrence, S. D.

RESUMO

The chloroplast to chromoplast transition during tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruit ripening is characterized by a dramatic change in plastid structure and function. We have asked whether this process is mediated by an increase in the steady-state level of RNA for plastid targeted proteins. Assays for import of radiolabeled translation products into isolated pea (Pisum sativum L.) chloroplasts were used to monitor levels of chromoplast-targeted proteins at four stages of tomato fruit development. We have found striking increases during development in levels of translatable RNA for two such proteins. Additionally, the import of in vitro translation products was examined for seven individual cDNA clones known to encode RNA that increase during fruit ripening. Three of these clones produced in vitro translation products that were imported into pea chloroplasts. This implies that there is synthesis and import of new proteins during the transition from chloroplast to chromoplast and that the plastid conversion is an active developmental program rather than a simple decline in synthesis of the photosynthetic apparatus. Furthermore, our results demonstrate the utility of this method for identification of structural genes involved in plastid morphogenesis.

Documentos Relacionados

• Cloning of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) arginine decarboxylase gene and its expression during fruit ripening.
• Characterization of the Stimulation of Ethylene Production by Galactose in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Fruit 1
• Effect of Germanium and Utilization of Boron in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
• Mechanisms of transmission of Xanthomonas vesicatoria (Dodge) Dye in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
• Cell Wall Metabolism in Ripening Fruit (VII. Biologically Active Pectin Oligomers in Ripening Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Fruits).