POLYNUCLEOTIDES, DNA CONSTRUCTS AND METHODS FOR THE ALTERATION OF PLANT LIGNIN CONTENT AND/OR COMPOSITION

摘要

Polynucleotides, DNA constructs and methods are disclosed for the modification of lignin content in plant tissues. Plants are transformed with a DNA molecule encoding an active S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMdc) enzyme. The over-expression of a SAMdc gene in the plant's vascular system leads to decreased S-adenosylmethionine availability and consequently to an overall decrease in lignin content. Plant transformants harboring a SAMdc coding nucleic acid molecule are expected to demonstrate decreased levels of lignin, a trait that is thought to render woody trees more amenable to cellulose extraction and improve the pulping and papermaking processes.