Plant genes associated with seed oil content and methods of their use

Abstract

Cytochrome b5 (Cb5) is a haem-binding protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the outer mitochondrial membranes of higher eukaryotes. In higher plants, animals, and fungi, the ER resident Cb5 has been shown to play a role in desaturation of acyl CoA fatty acids. Higher plants Cb5 isoforms from plants such as soybean or Arabidopsis are capable of modulating omega-3 desaturation. Co-expression of certain Cb5 isoforms with FAD3 in a host plant results in increased production of seed oil content as well as altered ratio between different fatty acids. It is also disclosed here that overexpression of Yarrowia ACL enzymes in the plastids of a host plant helps boost the synthesis of acetyl CoA, which in turn, may lead to increased synthesis of fatty acids and enhanced oil accumulation in the seeds.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method for generating a transgenic organism to enhance the quantity and/or quality of oil produced by said organism, said method comprising the steps of:
 a) introducing a transgene into a host organism, said transgene having a sequence that is at least 95% identical to the sequence of the polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID. Nos. 9-10; and   b) allowing said host organism to express a protein encoded by said first transgene.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the host organism is a plant, and the transgenic organism is a transgenic plant. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of soybean,  arabidopsis , corn, peanut and canola. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein two transgenes are introduced into said host organism, the first transgene having a sequence that is at least 95% identical to the polynucleotide of SEQ ID. No. 9, and the second transgene having a sequence that is at least 95% identical to the polynucleotide of SEQ ID. No. 10. 
     
     
         19 - 21 . (canceled)