甜菜碱与植物耐盐基因工程

向非甜菜碱积累植物导入甜菜碱合成途径是提高植物耐盐性的策略之一。甜菜碱是一种无毒的有机小分子化合物。盐胁迫下，它能在植物细胞中迅速积累以维持细胞的渗透平衡，并对胞内的一些重要酶类起保护作用。编码甜菜碱合成酶的基因已被克隆，并应用于植物耐盐基因工程。本文介绍了甜菜碱的生理作用、合成酶及相关基因的特性，并结合本实验室的工作对甜菜碱基因工程及其进展作了简单的综述。

Advances in Study of Betaine and Its Genetic Engineering for Salt Tolerance Improvement of Plants

Glycine betaine is one of the nontoxic and organic osmolytes which can accumulate rapidly in many plants under salt and other stresses. It plays an important role in maintaining osmotic balance and protecting some important enzymes in plant cells. Introduction of the synthesis pathway of glycine betaine into plants has been one of the most promising ways to improve their salt tolerance. The biosynthsis pathway and physiological functions of betaine and the progresse s in genetic engineering of the enzymes involved in its synthesis are discussed.