Inhibitors of ethylene synthesis
IN CASE OF TOMATOES:
pTOM5 encodes for phytoene synthase which promote lycopene synthesis that gives red coloration
pTOM6 gene encodes for polygalacturonase. This enzyme degrades the cell wall, resulting in fruit softening.
pTOM gene encodes for ACC oxidase. This enzyme catalyzes the ethylene formation that triggers the fruit ripening.
Calgene introduced a gene in plant which synthesize a complementary mRNA to PG gene and inhibiting the synthesis of PG enzyme.
On May 21, 1994, the genetically engineered Flavr Savr tomato was introduced.
