Suppression of Flavonoid Flower Pigmentation Genes in Petunia hybrida by the Introduction of Antisense and Sense Genes

Abstract

Introduction of antisense and sense transgenes in higher plants can lead to the suppression of the homologous resident gene(s). Over the past 6 years a large number of transgenic plants containing sense nd antisense transgenes have been generated for various purposes. First, antisense and sense genes have been introduced into commercial crops and ornamental plant varieties to suppress the expression of resident genes with the aim of modifying or improving plant performance. Second, the function of several cryptic genes has been determined by manipulating their expression with the help of antisense genes. Finally, the use of antisense and sense gene suppression has broadened our knowledge of control steps in physiological processes (see van Blokland et al. 1993 and Mol et al. 1994 for reviews). Despite the success of these strategies, the mode of action of antisense and sense genes is still poorly understood