Discovery of a new gene causing dark green cotyledons and pathway of pigment synthesis in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik)

Authors: Sharma B.; Emami M.K.

Source: Euphytica, Volume 124, Number 3, 2002 , pp. 349-353(5)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

A new gene is reported which functions as a master gene for synthesis of the pigments determining cotyledon colour in lentil. This gene is different from the two earlier reported genes which are responsible for synthesis of yellow (gene Y) and brown (gene B) pigments. Double recessive homozygous condition of these two genes results into loss of both pigments and, consequently, produces light green cotyledons. The new gene, in contrast, produces dark green cotyledons in recessive condition irrespective of the dominance or recessive state of the Y and B genes. It is hypothesized that the new gene for dark green cotyledon colour ( Dg) acts at an earlier stage in the biosynthesis of the two cotyledon-specific pigments, which are derived from a common precursor, whose synthesis is blocked when Dg mutates to its recessive condition.

Keywords: dark green cotyledon colour; inheritance; Lens culinaris; lentil; metabolic pathway; pigment synthesis

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Division of Genetics, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India

Publication date: 2002-01-01