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.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:ALU.w.uleth.ca/dspace#10133/145 |
Date | January 2003 |
Creators | Bondaruk, Mandy, University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science |
Contributors | Weselake, Randall |
Publisher | Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2003, Arts and Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry |
Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
Language | en_US |
Detected Language | English |
Type | Thesis |
Relation | Thesis (University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science) |
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