PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain the subject new gene coding for a transfer signal peptide for transferring a precursor of a mitochondria liposome protein having a specific amino acid sequence to a mitochondria and useful for transferring an exogenous protein to a mitochondria, etc. SOLUTION: This gene has a nucleotide sequence coding for a transfer signal peptide for transferring a precursor of a mitochondria liposome protein to a mitochondria, the nucleotide sequence is a new polynucleotide coding for the amino acid sequence expressed by the formula or an amino acid sequence in which one or plural amino acids are added, deficient or replaced in the above amino acid sequence, and the gene is associated with the transfer of an exogenous protein produced in a host cell to a mitochondria. The gene is obtained by preparing an Oryza sativa genome library using a DNA extracted from maturing leaves of Oryza sativa by an ordinary method and screening the library using a probe consisting of a nucleotide of an Oryza sativa mitochondria.
