Cloning and characterization of stearoyl–ACP desaturase gene (SAD) in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Abstract

The Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is the highest producing oil seed crop on a per hectare basis in the world. Current estimates are that within the next decade, palm oil will become the largest single oil traded globally. In this study, the stearyl–ACP desaturase gene (SAD) was cloned and thoroughly characterized in oil palm. Mesocarp tissue of oil palm fruit at different developmental stages including 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days after pollination (DAP) was used for expression pattern analysis. The results showed that SAD gene was highly expressed at 90 DAP. SAD gene is 1,179 base pairs in length, comprised of 3 exons and 2 introns, and translated into 393 amino acids. The phylogenetic analysis was constructed using nucleotide sequences, showing that it is closely related to SAD gene from Elaeis oleifera.