Inventors:
Gad Galili - Rehovot, IL
Orit Shaul - Petach Tikva, IL
Dirk Inze - Moorzel-Aalst, BE
Marc Van Montagu - Brussels, BE
Donald W. Hilgemann - Dallas TX
Assignee:
Yeda Research and Development Co. Ltd. - Rehovot
The University of Texas System - Austin TX
International Classification:
A01H 500
Abstract:
An isolated DNA molecule is provided coding for a polypeptide of the 11-12 transmembrane domain transporter family having a Mg /H or Zn /H exchange activity, herein designated MHX. The genomic MHX DNA was isolated from cv. C-24. Transgenic plants transformed with said DNA and expressing MHX are shown to have a lower content of sodium as compared with corresponding wild-type plants or a higher dry matter weight upon growth in calcium-rich media as compared with corresponding wild-type plants. These transgenic plants are tolerant to stress conditions, particularly high salinity and calcium-rich media, e. g. saline and calcareous soils.