In recent years

study of functional genes has become a hot area of research in medicinal plants. Research contents include gene cloning

characterization

polymorphism analysis

expression pattern analysis and relationship analysis between functional genes and metabolic pathway. The roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis are widely used in China. Besides the medicinal value

they are also used as industrial raw materials and tobacco additives. Among all of the natural active components glycyrrhizic acid is believed to be the marker compound to characterize the quality of this Chinese herb. Many studies have shown that glycyrrhizic acid possesses various biological activities

such as anti-inflammatory

antiturmor and immune-stimulating activities. In this paper the cloning

characterization and polymorphism of functional genes involved in glycyrrhizic acid biosynthesis in G. uralensis were analyzed. This work is significant for further studies concerned with strengthening the efficacy of G. uralensis by means of improved glycyrrhizic acid content and providing research ideas for functional gene studies in other medicinal plants.