Expression of the Chlorella sorokiniana sedoheptulose 1,7-bisphosphatase in transgenic plants

This invention relates to the expression of sedoheptulose 1,7 bisphosphatase (SBPase) in transgenic plants to increase or improve plant growth and development, yield, vigor, and distribution of carbon assimilates. Transgenic plants expressing SBPase have improved carbon assimilation, export and storage in plant source and sink organs, which results in growth, yield and quality improvements in crop plants. Sedoheptulose 1,7-bisphosphatase (SBPase) is an enzyme catalyzing the reaction converting sedoheptulose 1,7-bisphosphate into sedoheptulose 7-phosphate. This enzyme is located in the chloroplast in leaves and stems. Overexpression of the SBpase in transgenic plants is provided to improve plant yield by increasing leaf starch biosynthetic ability in particular and sucrose production in general.