Genetically engineered cytoplasmic male sterility.

Abstract

Cytoplasmic male sterility, conditioned by some maternally inherited plant mitochondrial genomes, is the most expedient method to produce uniform populations of pollen-sterile plants on a commercial scale. Plant mitochondrial genomes are not currently amenable to genetic transformation, but genetic manipulation of the plastid genome allows engineering of maternally inherited traits in some species. A recent study has shown that the Acinetobacter beta-ketothiolase gene, expressed in the Nicotiana tabacum plastid, conditions maternally inherited male sterility, laying the groundwork for new approaches to control pollen fertility in crop plants.

• Authors: Christine D Chase
• Journal: Trends in plant science (Trends Plant Sci) Vol. 11 Issue 1 Pg. 7-9 (Jan 2006) ISSN: 1360-1385 [Print] England
• PMID: 16356756 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Review)

Topics

• Cytoplasm (metabolism)
• Genetic Engineering (methods)
• Plant Cells
• Plants (genetics)
• Plastids (genetics, physiology)
• Pollen (genetics, physiology)
• Reproduction (physiology)