Cloning, molecular characterization, and expression analysis of several red clover cDNAs

Abstract

To begin gathering information regarding nucleotide sequence similarity between red clover genes and other plant species, especially the model legume Medicago truncatula, several random red clover cDNAs were sequenced. The analyzed cDNAs included genes encoding actin; several proteins involved in photosynthesis including PsaH, PsbR, PsbX, early light-induced protein (ELIP), ferredoxin, chlorophyll a/b binding protein; fructose-bisphosphate aldolase;chloroplastic superoxide dismutase; and GTP-binding protein typA. The gene set had a median sequence identity of 92% with their counterparts from M. truncatula, suggesting its available genomics tools can be applied to red clover. An expression analysis of the gene set in various red clover tissues indicates the genes show a wide range of expression patterns. Consequently, this set of cDNAs and associated data are proving useful as controls in molecular genetic experiments involving red clover. Key words: Red clover, Trifolium pratense, Medicago truncatula, forage legume, genomics, inquiry-based learning