A full-length cDNA encoding fructose-6-phosphate, 2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase from maize (Zea mays L.) was cloned by the methods of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), and designated as mF2KP. The encoded protein is composed of two regions. Its COOH-terminal region is catalytic region and homologous to the enzymes from other eukaryotes; and its NH 2-terminal region is common and special region only in plant. A truncated fragment of mF2KP covering integrated catalytic region was expressed in Escherichia coli. The fusion protein had the activities of fructose-6-phosphate, 2-kinase as well as fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase. Northern blot showed that the transcript level of mF2KP in seedlings initiated from strong-vigor seeds is lower than that from weak-vigor seeds.
