EXPRESSION ANALYSIS OF ANTHOCYANIN BIOSYNTHETIC GENES FROM THE YOUNG AND MATURE LEAVES OF TECTONA GRANDIS L.F.

Abstract

Tectona grandis L.f. is a tropical hardwood tree which is known for its timber yield. Apart from its durable wood, the leaves of teak are rich source of anthocyanin. The main objective of the present study was to analyze the expression profile of major anthocyanin biosynthetic genes from the young and mature leaves of teak. The young leaves of teak contains significant amount of anthocyanin when compared to mature leaves. The key enzyme in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway, PAL, the regulatory enzyme, CHI and the end point enzyme UGT showed sound activity in young leaves. The obtained results were further correlated by the higher expression profile of major anthocyanin biosynthetic genes such as CHS1, CHS2, CHI1, CHI2, F3’5’H1, F3’5’H2, DFR, ANS and UF3GT in the young leaves.