Cloning and characterization of chalcone synthase from the moss, Physcomitrella patens

A gene encoding a chalcone synthase from the moss, Physcomitrella patens was cloned and the recombinant protein characterized. Its enzymatic properties were similar to those of higher plant CHSs. Phylogenetic analysis placed the moss CHS at the base of the plant CHS clade. Genomic sequence analysis revealed the presence of a CHS multigene family in the moss.