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Concerted circadian oscillations in transcript levels of nineteen Lha/b (cab) genes in Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato)

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Summary

Steady-state mRNA levels of nineteen members of the Lha/b (cab) gene family of Lycopersicon esculentum, encoding nine different types of light-harvesting complex (LHC) polypeptides, were determined by primer extension analysis. Each Lha/b gene is expressed and individual mRNAs accumulate to distinct levels. The relative contribution of each Lha/b mRNA to the total Lha/b mRNA levels is very similar in different green organs (leaves, stems, fruits, sepals) and after light treatment of etiolated seedlings. Detailed analysis of Lha/b mRNA accumulation in leaves under light/dark conditions, continuous darkness and continuous light revealed diurnal and circadian oscillations of Lha/b mRNAs for all genes. Only minor instances of divergence from a general expression pattern are apparent. Together these results indicate a concerted expression of all genes, suggesting that similar or identical molecular mechanisms and signal transduction chain control the expression of all Lha/b genes.

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Communicated by J. Schell

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Kellmann, JW., Merforth, N., Wiese, M. et al. Concerted circadian oscillations in transcript levels of nineteen Lha/b (cab) genes in Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato). Molec. Gen. Genet. 237, 439–448 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00279449

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00279449

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