Patent ID: 6316699
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: C07K,C12N,C12Y

Abstract:
A plant comprising cells having a nuclear genome being transformed with a foreign DNA, said foreign DNA comprising:a) a male-sterility DNA encoding a protein or polypeptide, capable, when produced in a microspore and/or pollen cell of a plant, of significantly disturbing one or more of the activities of said microspore and/or pollen cell selected from the group consisting of the metabolism, functioning and development of said microspore and/or pollen cell; andb) a first promoter which directs gene expression selectively in microspores and/or pollen cells of a plant,said male-sterility DNA being in the same transcriptional unit as, and under the control of, said first promoter;wherein the nuclear genome of said cells, including said foreign DNA, is homozygous; andwherein said microspores and/or pollen cells of said plant are killed or disabled by expression of said male-sterility DNA in said microspores and/or pollen cells of said plant, so as to render said plant incapable of producing fertile male gametes.