PURIFIED CYTOCHROME P450 POLYPEPTIDE CYP76B1 FROM HELIANTHUS TUBEROSUS AND ITS APPLICATIONS AS BIOCATALYST IN PARTICULAR FOR THE DEGRADATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS AND FOR ALTERING THE RESISTANCE OF PLANTS SENSITIVE TO PHENYLUREA FAMILY OF HERBICIDES

摘要

The present invention relates to the gene CYP76B1 of a cytochrome P450 which has been isolated from Helianthus tuberosus tuber. The expression of this gene in yeast has shown that it encoded an enzyme very actively catalysing the O-dealkylation of various exogenous molecules with a high efficiency, such as phenylureas. The expression of CYP76B1 is strongly induced in plants brought into contact with certain exogenous metals or organic compounds. This induction may be exploited for the detection of environmental pollutants. CYP76B1 can be also used to alter the resistance of plants sensitive to this family of herbicides and for soil and groundwater bioremedation.