Nucleotide sequences mediating male fertility and method of using same

Abstract

Nucleotide sequences mediating male fertility in plants are described, with DNA molecule and amino acid sequences set forth. Promoter sequences and their essential regions are also identified. The nucleotide sequences and promoter sequences are useful in methods mediating male fertility in plants, as described. Vectors, plant cells, and plants comprising the nucleotide sequences and/or promoter regions are also provided.

1 . An isolated or recombinant polypeptide which has at least 95% identity to the full length of SEQ ID NO: 22 and impacts male fertility in a plant. 
     
     
         2 . A plant comprising the recombinant polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein said plant is male-fertile. 
     
     
         3 . A plant comprising the recombinant polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein said plant is male-sterile. 
     
     
         4 . The plant of  claim 2 , wherein said plant is sorghum, maize, or rice. 
     
     
         5 . The plant of  claim 3 , wherein said plant is sorghum, maize, or rice. 
     
     
         6 . An isolated or recombinant polynucleotide which encodes a polypeptide of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         7 . An expression cassette comprising a regulatory sequence operably linked to the polynucleotide of  claim 6 . 
     
     
         8 . The expression cassette of  claim 7 , wherein said regulatory sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 19. 
     
     
         9 . An isolated or recombinant polynucleotide which has at least 95% identity to the full length of SEQ ID NO: 19 and is capable of driving male-tissue-preferred expression of an operably-linked polynucleotide. 
     
     
         10 . A functional fragment of the polynucleotide of  claim 9 , said functional fragment being capable of driving male-tissue-preferred expression of an operably-linked polynucleotide.