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A molecular genetic approach to reducing the saturated fatty acid content of canola oil

Brassica napus is known to contain an endogenous and soluble stearoyl-acyl carrier protein (^918:0-ACP) desaturase, but does not express a palmitic (16:0)-ACP desaturase. Levels of 16:0 are low in canola oil and are associated with enhanced cholesterol biosynthesis in humans. In an attempt to further reduce the saturated fatty acid (SFA) content of canola oil, B. Napus L. cv Westar was transformed with a cDNA encoding a ^916:0-ACP desaturase from cat's claw (Doxantha unguis-cati L.). Arabidopsis thaliana was also transformed with this cDNA. Transformation of both oilseeds resulted in increased production of palmitoleic acid (^16:1) and many other effects of fatty acid composition. Overall, the SFA content did not decrease in either oilseed and investigation to why this effect occurred was examined using transgenic B. napus. Molecular genetic testing on second generation B. napus also determined the plants contained the cDNA of interest and were transcribing the cDNA. / xxi, 155 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:ALU.w.uleth.ca/dspace#10133/145
Date January 2003
CreatorsBondaruk, Mandy, University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
ContributorsWeselake, Randall
PublisherLethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2003, Arts and Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Source SetsLibrary and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
RelationThesis (University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science)

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