Plasmids useful for and methods of preparing transgenic plants with modifications of habit and yield

US5917127A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Hoechst Schering Agrevo GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Lothar Willmitzer · Kleinmachnow, DE
• Uwe Sonnewald · Berlin, DE
• Antje Von Schaeven · Plön, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 25, 1995
• Grant date: Jun 29, 1999
• Expiry date: May 25, 2015

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N15/8245
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

There is disclosed plasmids for the preparation of transgenic plants which are modified through the transfer and the expression of genes localized on the plasmids, that influence the sugar metabolism or the sugar partitioning within a plant. In addition, transgenic plants with modified sugar metabolism or sugar partitioning are described. The genes cause a modified distribution of assimilates in the transgenic plant which result in significant changes in plant habit, such as size, leaf shape, internode separation and root formation, as well as improvements in plant yield. Plasmids and methods are also described which enable foreign proteins to be directed into specific tissues or portions of transgenic plants, including vacuoles, leaves and sink organs.