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Import of Polypeptides into Chloroplasts

Abstract

The majority of the protein components of chloroplasts are synthesized outside the organelle and are subsequently imported. These imported polypeptides are produced as precursors containing an amino-terminal extension. Recent experiments have demonstrated that foreign polypeptides can be imported into chloroplasts when fused to these amino-terminal extensions. This ability provides exciting opportunities for improvement of economically important plants through genetic manipulation.

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Cashmore, A., Szabo, L., Timko, M. et al. Import of Polypeptides into Chloroplasts. Nat Biotechnol 3, 803–808 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0985-803

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