Chromosomal Localization of Anthocyanin Biosynthetic Genes bz1, bz2 in Lotus

Both bronze 1 (bz1) and bronze 2 (bz2) are anthocyanin biosynthetic genes,and related to development of aleuronic layers of maize seeds.The bz1 gene encodes UDP glucose flavonoid glucosyl-transferase (UFGT),an anthocyanin biosynthetic enzyme in the aleuronic layer of the seed,which modifies purple aleurone and plant color to pale or reddish brown,anthers yellow-fluorescence.Bronze 2 is another anthocyanin biosynthetic gene,its potential function is reflavonoid (acylation),glycosylation transport or deposition.Using maize bz1 and bz2 gene inserted into pUC19 labeled by the biotin as the probes respectively,bz1 and bz2 genes have been assigned to metaphase chromosome of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera L.) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).The red hybridization signals indicated the bz1 gene and bz2 gene on homologous chromosome 2 and chromosome 4,respectively.The percent distances from the centromere are 79% and 67%,respectively.The current studies would advance the addition of genetic markers and the construction of genetic map in lotus.