Sequence analysis and characterization of an oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) cDNA encoding calmodulin
Parameswari Namasivayam1, Meilina Ong Abdullah2, and Harikrishna Kulaveerasingam3*
1Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor
Malaysia. 2Advanced Biotechnology and Breeding Centre, Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), No.6,
Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia. 3Genome Centre, Institute
of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
(Received 9 November 2000 / Accepted 5 April 2001)
Abstract.
A full length calmodulin cDNA (OPZE3A) was isolated from a zygotic embryo cDNA library of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). The sequence of the clone was analysed and used for a preliminary investigation to study gene expression during oil palm embryogenesis. Sequence analysis show that the protein has been highly conserved between plants and other organisms. RNA expression profile for calmodulin shows that it is developmentally regulated during embryogenesis as well as in other tissues such as inflorescence, young leaves and meristems. Genomic analysis shows that it is a member of a multi copy gene family. Calcium efflux has been shown to be important in polarity establishment during embryogenesis. Thus, it will be interesting to further characterize this gene in order to determine its cellular localisation and role during embryo development.
Keywords: calmodulin, embryogenesis, oil palm, tissue culture
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