cDNA CLONE OF ENDO- beta -MANNANASE FROM PLANT TISSUES

摘要

A cDNA clone for endo- beta -mannanase which is prepared from either a fruit or the seed of the fruit is provided. The cDNA clone is used for the preparation of an antisense sequence which is useful for blocking the expression of endo- beta -mannanase in various fruits. Since endo- beta -mannanase is an enzyme involved with the ripening and softening of fruit, the antisense sequence is useful for delaying fruit ripening and resultant fruit softening. The invention also involves the use of promoters to over express the endo- beta -mannanase gene in fruits, in order to expedite the rate of fruit ripening. A method is therefore provided for delaying the ripening of a fruit comprising the step of obtaining a cDNA clone for endo- beta -mannanase produced by the fruit and inhibiting the expression of endo- beta -mannanase in the fruit. A method is also provided for expediting the ripening of a fruit by comprising the step of inserting a promoter for the endo- beta -mannanase gene into the genome of a fruit.