| abstract |
These include genes encoding a novel delta-9 desaturase and compositions and methods for expression in plant cells. In some embodiments, the method of expressing nucleic acid in a plant cell utilizes the activity of a delta-9 desaturase enzyme, thereby reducing the percent composition of saturated fatty acids in the plant seed, and is accompanied by an increase in omega-7 fatty acids. . In other embodiments, the amino acid sequence has a delta-9 desaturase activity. For the purpose of increasing the amount of specific fatty acids in whole plants, plant seeds and plant materials such as seeds, the method may involve the expression of delta-9 desaturase in plant cells, plant material and whole plants. |