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Identification of novel genes specifically expressed in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii zygotes

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Abstract

The maturation of zygotes formed by the fusion of two gametes is the essential part of the diploid phase of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii sexual life cycle and results in mature zygotes competent to germinate. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying zygote maturation and the attainment of competence for germination we isolated genomic clones representing three different genes that are specifically expressed in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii zygotes. Accumulation of the RNAs started more than 24 h after mating, setting these genes apart from genes expressed in young zygotes [9]. Upon light-induced germination of zygotes, the mRNAs disappeared. The patterns of RNA accumulation and disappearance were gene-specific and suggested a function of these genes in maturation and/or in initial steps of germination.

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  1. Dorothee Wegener

    Present address: Max-Planck-Institut für Züchtungsforschung, Carl-von-Linné-Weg 10, D-5000, Köln 30, Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Biologie III, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Schaenzlestr. 1, D-7800, Freiburg, Germany

    Dorothee Wegener & Christoph F. Beck

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  1. Dorothee Wegener
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  2. Christoph F. Beck
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Wegener, D., Beck, C.F. Identification of novel genes specifically expressed in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii zygotes. Plant Mol Biol 16, 937–946 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00016066

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00016066

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