Coniferin beta-glucosidase cDNA for modifying lignin content in plants

摘要

A cDNA molecule encoding coniferin beta-glucosidase is disclosed. This enzyme catalyzes one of the last steps in the synthesis of lignin in plants. Plants having modified lignin content may be produced by transformation with this cDNA (or parts of the cDNA), for example, in either sense or antisense orientation. The invention includes methods of altering-lignin content in plants using this cDNA, as well as transformed plants, such as conifers, having modified lignin content.