Scientists Locate a Mutual Abstinence Gene

Scientists from the University of California, San Diego have discovered a gene in plants that prevents fertilization only if present in both female and male reproductive cells. The gene codes for a protein called peroxin that targets cell organelles called peroxisomes. Peroxisome functions in fatty acid metabolism and in protecting the cells from toxic free radicals. The discovery implies that the organelle performs an important function in reproductive cell communication.

Mutations that disrupt fertilization in plants have been reported, but this is the first time that a mutation must be simultaneously carried by both female and male lines for complete fertilization disruption. The findings have important implications in plant breeding and conservation. Understanding the mechanism that mediate male and female reproductive cell communication can circumvent the barriers of crossing plants from different species. Stress and disease resistance genes from wild species can be introduced to commercial varieties without genetic engineering. Likewise, the mutation will also be useful to avoid crossing of plants with related species.

The abstract of the paper published by Current Biology is available at http://www.current-biology.com/content/article/abstract?uid=PIIS0960982207023652 Read the press release at http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/newsrel/science/12-07AbstinenceByMutualConsent.html