Abstract:Using the total RNA extracted from Jatropha curcas L. leaves as the template, the degenerate primers were designed according to the reported sequence of squalene synthases gene in other plants, the full-length cDNA of squalene synthase gene in Jatropha curcas L. was cloned using RACE method, which was named JcSQS with 1609 bp in length including a 1242 bp-ORF, and JcSQS was predicted to encode the protein with 413 amino acids. The cloned JcSQS gene contained the typical conserved sequences and domains of SQS genes. The JcSQS protein had high homology with the amino acid sequences encoded by SQS gene in Ricinus communis, Diospyros kaki and Bruguiera gymnorhiza, so on. It laid the foundation for studying the biosynthesis and regulation of terpenoids and steroids in J. curcas.
