IDENTIFICATION OF AN ARABIDOPSIS-THALIANA GENE ENCODING A PLASMA-MEMBRANE H+-ATPASE WHOSE EXPRESSION IS RESTRICTED TO ANTHER TISSUES

A gene (aha9) for a plasma membrane H+-ATPase was isolated from an Arabidopsis thaliana genomic library and sequenced. Comparison of the aha9 predicted amino acid sequence with those of aha1, 2 and 3 and analogous genes from other species indicated the existence of at least two aha gene subfamilies whose divergence precedes that of the Nicotiana and Arabidopsis species. Transcript analysis in various organs revealed expression of aha9 in flower tissues only. Introduction of aha9 into Nicotiana tabacum by genetic transformation gave rise to transgenic plants which also express aha9 in flower tissues. A more detailed analysis showed that aha9 expression was restricted to anther tissues.