Özet:

nd. At the present, the main direction of genetic engineering research is improving qualities of the crops. The transgenic crops expressing thauII gene successfully combined both the better taste and increasing resistance to fungal pathogens. Objective. In this study, the recombinant gene of sweet-tasting protein thaumatin II driven by the CaMV 35S promoter was introduced into lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plants. Methods. The transformation of cotyledonary explants was achieved via Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101. The plasmid vectors used in gene integration experiments also contained selective genes of neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII ) or phosphinothricin acetyl transferase (bar). Results. The influence of 0,05 % polyvinylpyrrolidone (10000) on the selective concentration of kanamycin and phosphinotricin in the culture medium were investigated. The optimal concentrations of selective agents for stable transgenic plants selection were used. Conclusions. Availability of the thaumatin II as well as selective nptII or bar genes was verified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An organoleptic analysis of transgenic lettuce plants did not reveal significant changes in the taste quality. The leaf extracts of these plants will be further tested for antifungal activity.  

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