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Title: (Analysis of proteins essential for Agrobacterium mediated DNA transfer to plant cells). [Single-stranded DNA binding proteins]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6324031

The tumor inducing (Ti) plasmid of Agrobacterium contains two regions important for infection and transformation of plant cells. One region, the T-DNA, is transferred as a single strand into the plant cell, while the virulence (vir) region is responsible for recognition of susceptible cells, synthesis of the T-DNA single strand (T-strand), formation of a T-strand protein complex and transfer of this complex into susceptible cells. A DNA binding protein, VirE2, was identified as a product of the vir region. Sequencing of the 9000 kilobase pair virB region has been completed. Expression of 10 of the predicted 11 open reading frames (ORFs) was demonstrated in Escherichia coli. Translational coupling was demonstrated for 5 ORFs. Hydropathy analysis indicates that 9 of 11 ORFs have hydrophobic regions that could permit membrane channel formation. In related work, analysis of protons that potentiate movement of plant viruses was discussed, with indications that the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) protein P30 may mediate transfer of TMV RNA through plasmadesmata. Also, using the T-DNA element as a marker, genes responsible for abnormal flower development are being cloned and isolated. 3 refs. (MHB)

Research Organization:
California Univ., Berkeley, CA (USA). Dept. of Plant Biology
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/ER
DOE Contract Number:
FG03-88ER13882
OSTI ID:
6324031
Report Number(s):
DOE/ER/13882-T1; ON: DE91006871
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English