Medicago truncatula contains a second gene encoding a plastid located glutamine synthetase exclusively expressed in developing seeds
2010
Discovery of a Second Glutamine Synthetase Gene in Medicago truncatula
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Seabra Ana R, Vieira Cristina P, Cullimore Julie V, Carvalho Helena G
Primary Institution: Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular da Universidade do Porto
Hypothesis
Does Medicago truncatula contain a second gene encoding a plastid located glutamine synthetase?
Conclusion
Medicago truncatula has an additional glutamine synthetase gene that is functional and specifically expressed during seed development.
Supporting Evidence
- The new gene was found to be exclusively expressed in developing seeds.
- It arose from a duplication event estimated to have occurred about 10 million years ago.
- The gene produces a functional enzyme with unique kinetic properties.
- This is the first report of alternative splicing on a plant glutamine synthetase gene.
Takeaway
Scientists found a new gene in a plant that helps it grow seeds by managing nitrogen, which is important for making proteins.
Methodology
The study involved genomic analysis, expression analysis by RT-PCR, and western blotting to characterize the new gene.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website