WHEAT MADS BOX GENES, A MULTIGENE FAMILY DISPERSED THROUGHOUT THE GENOME

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with degenerate primers was utilized f or partial cloning of the MADS box gene family from wheat (Triticum ae stivum L.). PCR products corresponding to a part of the MADS box regio n were cloned and sequenced. Eleven individual clones sequenced were c lassified into seven types on the basis of the nucleotide sequence and five types on the deduced amino acid sequence, which included two whe at-specific MADS box protein sequences. RT-PCR analysis with degenerat e primers revealed preferential expression of the MADS box genes in yo ung spikes. Furthermore, genomic Southern blot analysis with degenerat e PCR products as probes indicated that wheat MADS box genes constitut e a multigene family and are dispersed throughout the genome.