ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FLAVONOID GENES IN THE ANTHOCYANIN BIOSYNTHETIC PATHWAY OF DEN. TAY SWEE KENG

Abstract

cDNA clones encoding Chalcone synthase (CHS) and Flavonoid 3-hydroxylase (F3H) in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway are isolated from Den Tay Swee Keng. The expression of these genes is found to be organ-specific and developmentally regulated. In addition, they are expressed in both pigmented and unpigmented Dendrobium flowers and the level of CHS and F3H mRNA in flower petals and lips is always about two times higher than that in the sepals and columns. Cellular localization of CHS mRNA is also determined to be epidermal specific. To further understand the control of these genes in orchids, the genomic clones of CHS are isolated and sequenced.