As. Pac. J. Mol. Biol. & Biotech., Dec 1999 Vol. 7(1) : 53-60

Isolation and characterisation of a cDNA encoding I aminocyclopropane l carboxylate oxidase from mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Z. Zainal*, G. A. Tucker and G. W. Lycett

Department ofPhysiology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of
Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire. LE12 5RD, UK

(Received 15 February 1999 / Accepted 28 May 1999)

Abstract.

A full length cDNA clone designated as pNY601 encoding I aminocyclopropane I carboxylate (ACC) oxidase was isolated from a ripening mango (Mangifera indica L.) cDNA library using pTOM13 as a probe. Plasmid pNY601 is 1213 bp and contains a single open reading frame encoding a 324 amino acid polypeptide with a calculated molecular weight of 36.7 kDa and pI of 5.4. The deduced amino acid sequence shows considerable sequence (80-90%) similarity to other ACC oxidases; from various plant species. Northern blot analysis of RNA isolated from different stages of ripening shows that expression began while the fruits were still at the mature green stage. The appearance of these transcripts before ripening process take place may be due to chilling injury.

Key Words: Gene expression, Mangifiera indica, ACC oxidase, cDNA, fruit ripening