Amino acid biosynthesis in plants: Approaching an understanding at the molecular level

Summary The genes encoding GS and EPSP synthase have already been cloned. Clones containing portions of the genes encoding aspartate amino transferase and asparagine synthetase tentatively have been identified by this and other laboratories. It is certain that many other genes encoding other important enzymes involved in amino acid biosynthesis will also be identified in the near future. It is evident that new techniques for the separation of proteins will greatly aid in identifying low abundance genes more rapidly and efficiently. Micro techniques need to be further developed and the necessary equipment made available to laboratories. Hopefully the cost of the required equipment will decrease and commercial enterprises will offer more contract services for work requiring the more expensive equipment. Graduate training in advanced techniques of separating proteins at high resolutions should be encour-aged expanded so that our future scientists are well versed in protein biochemistry as well as in techniques of molecular biology.