NOVEL HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE GENE FOR ALTERATION OF PLANT PHENOTYPE

摘要

The present invention describes a novel plant hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase gene, (HSD) that is involved in a variety of physiological processes in high er plants. The novel gene product has a degree of similarity to mammalian ~-11- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase genes, known to control the conversion of steroids from active to inactive forms. In plants, the over expression of th e HSD gene results in transgenic plants with significantly greater biomass and vigour, increased seed yield, increased tolerance to salt and a suppression of ABA mediated seed dormancy.