Molecular characterisation of cDNA clones representing pectin esterase isozymes from tomato

Two pectin esterase cDNA clones representing different isozymes with ca. 95% homology were isolated from an early ripening tomato fruit cDNA library. Both clones were longer than previously published sequences, and the encoded proteins possessed extended (229–233 amino acid) putative N-terminal extensions. In addition, the mRNA species corresponding to the two clones showed differential levels of expression in fruit.