AMBER and GOLD: Polycistronic Genes for Genetic Painting in Plants
Abstract
Genetically encoded pigments are powerful visual reporters and creative tools for biology, yet in plants the palette of pigment biosynthesis genes has remained largely limited to red betacyanins encoded by RUBY. Here we develop and characterize three new polycistronic constructs AMBER_v1, AMBER_v2, and GOLD that contain betalain biosynthesis enzymes to produce yellow, fluorescent betaxanthins in plant tissues. These tools expand the palette of publicly available pigmentation genes for use in plant research, education, and floral design.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Plant Gene Expression Analysis
Plant biochemistry and biosynthesis
Botanical Research and Applications
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Publication date
- 20 January 2026