Directed molecular evolution in plant improvement.

Curr Opin Plant Biol

Maxygen Incorporated, 515 Galveston Drive, California 94063, Redwood City, USA.

Published: April 2001

Directed molecular evolution is a powerful tool to evolve genes with commercial applications. Its most common application is to evolve enzymes with improved kinetics, altered substrate or product specificities, or improved function in different cellular environments. The technique is beginning to be applied to goals relevant to agriculture. Recent examples include the generation of novel carotenoids, enhanced herbicide detoxification, and the improvement of insect resistance genes.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s1369-5266(00)00152-7DOI Listing

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