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January 18, 2008
Source:
CropBiotech Update
When plants are exposed to abiotic
stresses, like extreme temperatures, salinity and heavy metal
toxicity, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are
induced in the cell. ROS can damage organelles as well as the
cell membrane. The cell employs several mechanisms to help
minimize the effect of ROS, like the increased expression of
enzymes with antioxidant properties. Nucleoside diphosphate
kinase 2 (NDPK2) is an example of such enzyme. Although
important in basic cell processes like signal transduction and
maintenance of certain biomolecules, expression of NDPK2 gene
was found to mediate stress tolerance responses in the model
plant Arabidopsis.
By inserting the gene coding for NDPK2, a group of Korean
scientists successfully obtained transgenic potato lines
exhibiting increased tolerance to high salinity, increased
temperature and chemical toxicity. The gene was specifically
expressed in the cytosol (internal cell fluid). The transgenic
potato developed by the researchers may prove to be suitable for
cultivation in marginal soils. Further characterization of
potato lines is under investigation in terms of multiple
stresses including drought and cold stress.
The abstract of the paper, including links to the full article,
is available at
http://www.springerlink.com/content/w30567gr1314u276/?p=911022bfde3240babb0fb64bb0b5136d&pi=7
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