Abstract:

Full length cDNA sequence of a putative galactinol synthase gene (GS) (Genbank locus: EF566470) was cloned from cold-stressed pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. 'Suchanghong') leaves using RT-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The cDNA consists of 1 444 bp encoding a putative protein of 336 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this gene is high homologous to reported GS genes of other plants. RT-PCR analysis showed that the mRNAs of this gene was induced in pepper leaves after 4 ℃ or 10 ℃ cold-treatment for 6 h, but was not accumulated in cold -stressed stems and roots, no mRNA of this gene can be detected in pepper tissues under normal temperature. Southern blot analysis indicated that there may be other GS family gene copies in the pepper genome.

Key words: pepper, galactinol synthase, cold stress, cloning