Chitinase gene expression in transgenic plants: a molecular approach to understanding plant defence responses

Recent studies suggest that the production of enzymes capable of degrading the cell walls of invading phytopathogenic fungi may be an important component of the defence response of plants. In this chapter, we summarize recent progress on the isolation and characterization of chitinolytic enzymes from higher plants. Emphasis is placed on experiments designed to study the regulation of chitinase gene expression in response to ethylene treatment or pathogen ingress and on determining the role of this enzyme in plant defence. The production of transgenic plants with enhanced resistance to attack by the fungal pathogen Rhizodonia solani is discussed.