Analysis of two linked genes coding for the acyl carrier protein (ACP) from Arabidopsis thaliana (columbia)

Two linked genes, A1 and A2, coding for nearly identical isoforms of the acyl carrier protein (ACP) were isolated from an Arabidopsis thaliana (columbia) genomic library and sequenced. The amino acids deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the two genes indicate they encode distinct transit peptides, but the mature proteins are the same except for residue 79. Both genes are predicted to contain three introns in similar positions, although they differ in sequence and length. The introns interrupt regions coding for a) the transit peptide, b) the junction of the transit peptide and mature protein, and c) the highly conserved domain surrounding serine 38 to which the phosphopantetheine is attached. Primer extension analysis indicates that at least A1 is active in young plants.