Use of class enzymes and their encoding genes to increase the oil content in transgenic organisms

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of a novel enzyme and its encoding gene for transformation. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of a gene encoding an enzyme with acyl-CoA: diacylglycerol acyltransferase activity. This gene expressed alone in transgenic organisms will increase the total amount of oil (i.e. triacylglycerols) that is produced.

1 . A protein encoded by a DNA molecule according to SEQ ID NO. 1 or a functional (enzymatically active) fragment thereof.  
     
     
         2 . A protein produced in transgenic organisms comprising, in their genome or on a plasmid, a nucleic acid sequence, which has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO. 2 or an amino acid sequence with at least 60% homology to said amino acid sequence.  
     
     
         3 . A protein as specified in  claim 1  that is isolated from  Saccharomyces cerevisiae.    
     
     
         4 . A method for using a protein as specified in  claim 1  in the production of triacylglycerols.