INV1 — Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

Summary

BvINV1 (INV1) on sugar beet chromosome 7 encodes a beta-fructofuranosidase (invertase) with sucrose alpha-glucosidase and O-glucosyl hydrolase activities, belonging to the Glyco_hydro_32 family. The gene is associated with phloem unloading, carbohydrate storage, nectar secretion, sucrose transport, and both sucrose anabolism and breakdown, as well as starch metabolism, fermentation, and defence response to bacteria. It is linked to leaf, root, and ovule development, and localises to the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, and pollen tube. Associations include reducing sugar content, sucrose content, seed weight, photosynthetic rate, respiration rate, and salt tolerance. Reduced cell wall invertase activity and loss of nectar secretion have been observed. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to fruit sweetness, root yield, grain size, starch concentration, cold-induced sweetening, male sterility, and seed development.