The regulation and genetic manipulation of carotenoid biosynthesis in tomato fruit

Abstract

The Ailsa Craig variety of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) has been transformed with carotenoid genes from higher plants and bacteria. Progeny have been analysed for their carotenoid levels, carotenogenic enzyme activities and levels of gene expression. Ultrastructural studies have revealed changes in plastid structure. A similar approach has also been adopted with the high pigment (hp) mutant variety, which has elevated levels of carotenoids compared with the parental cultivar.