Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. cv. UC82b) was found to contain two
distinct 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate (DAHP) synthase
genes that are differentially expressed. The corresponding cDNAs were
isolated and characterized. Both genes code for putative plastidic DAH
P synthase isoforms. The deduced amino acid sequences are 79% identica
l. A comparison of the known Solanaceae DAHP synthases indicates two d
istinct conserved isoforms. The steady-state levels of transcripts of
the two tomato genes differ in all organs analysed.