A gene homologous to the human Putative tumor suppressor gone QM, designated OSQM1, was isolated from rice (Oryza sativa L.) genomic DNA library using through homology screening. It contained 4 exons and 3 introns, encoding a protein of 219 amino acids with 46 basic amino acids, leading to a high isoelectric point of 11.02. Homology search showed that this gene existed in eukaryotes and highly conserved throughout eukaryotes, suggesting an essential role of this gene. Northern Not analysis showed that it was expressed in various rice organs, but at lower level in developing flower and callus tissue than in other vegetative organs. Its expression levels in roots and leaves were influenced by different environmental factors.
About 1 kb fragment of rbcS (ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate carboxylase small subunit) gene in wild soybean (Glycine soja, Ji 50017) was amplified from total DNA by PCR assay. Sequence analysis of the fragment indicated that 1089 bp sequenced included the whole coding region for Rubisco small subunit. The rbcS gene in wild soybean encoded a precursor composed of a transit peptide of 55 amino acids and a mature protein of 123 amino acids. There were two introns found in the rbcS gene as other dicotyledonous species previously sequenced.Comparison of DNA sequences showed high degree homology of rbcS genes between wild soybean and cultivated soybean (Glycine max var. wayne). Some changes of amino acids emerged from the diverse nucleotides did not affect the function of the small subunit. These results may contribute some basic data in molecular biology to study the origin and evolution of soybean.
