A HIGHLY CONSERVED ALPHA-TUBULIN SEQUENCE FROM PRUNUS-AMYGDALUS

The sequence of an alpha-tubulin from Prunus amygdalus has been obtain ed by cDNA cloning. When this sequence is compared to that of the Tuba lpha1 gene from maize it shows a very high degree of similarity, much higher than any of the alpha-tubulin sequences reported so far from pl ants. The expression of this gene is high in the stages of seed develo pment where a high divisional activity is present. It is preferentiall y expressed in the radicular tissues as it is gene Tubal in maize. Sou thern analysis indicates that this gene may form a subfamily of alpha- tubulin genes having similar sequence and tissue specificity and exist ing at least in maize and in Prunus.