Structure of a maize tryptophan synthase alpha subunit gene with pith enhanced expression.

A cDNA derived from an abundant maize pith mRNA transcript and its corresponding genomic equivalent have been isolated and characterized. High transcript levels are seen in the pith and young leaves of maize plants, while no transcript is detected in seed tissue of any age. The protein encoded by the isolated gene has considerable homology with tryptophan synthase alpha subunit (trpA) from other organisms and the cDNA clone can complement an E. coli trpA mutant. These data support the conclusion that this cDNA and the corresponding genomic clone encode a maize trpA protein.