PAL — Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

Summary

BVRB_7G161880 (BvPAL) encodes a phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. The encoded protein possesses ammonia-lyase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activities, and also carries a DNA-binding transcription factor activity. BvPAL is associated with the biosynthesis of lignin, cinnamic acid, salicylic acid, suberin, melanin, and carotenoids, as well as with L-phenylalanine catabolism. The gene has been linked to root yield, root weight, root length, sucrose content, plant height, leaf area index, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and respiration rate. It is also associated with disease resistance, wound healing, drought recovery, UV light sensitivity, chilling tolerance, salt stress tolerance, and responses to low humidity and pathogens. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to traits including fruit shelf life, heat tolerance, and herbivore defense.