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Structural and functional analysis of theBz2 locus ofZea mays: characterization of overlapping transcripts

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Summary

Analysis of the transcription pattern of theBz2 locus revealed that overlapping transcripts are derived from opposite DNA strands. The most abundant transcript (sense transcript) has an open reading frame coding for a protein of 241 amino acids, whilst in the antisense orientation no open reading frame has been detected; the antisense transcripts are detected only in those tissues that show high levels of sense transcript. Particle gun experiments indicate that the sense transcript is sufficient to provide theBz2 function. The promoter driving the sense transcript contains the elements usually found in front of eukaryotic genes. In addition an element with similarity to theC1 andR binding sites identified in theBz1 promoter is found. Further upstream in the promoter region a transposon-like insertion has been identified. This element has features similar to members of theAc/Ds transposable element family. The putativeBz2 protein shows similarity to various other plant proteins and to anEscherichia coli protein. All related proteins have in common the fact that they are involved in stress responses.

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  1. Institut für Genetik der Universität zu Köln, Weyertal 121, W-5000, Köln 41, Germany

    Gregor Schmitz & Klaus Theres

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  1. Gregor Schmitz
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  2. Klaus Theres
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Communicated by H. Saedler

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Schmitz, G., Theres, K. Structural and functional analysis of theBz2 locus ofZea mays: characterization of overlapping transcripts. Molec. Gen. Genet. 233, 269–277 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00587588

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00587588

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