FAD3 — Brassica napus

Summary

BnFAD3 (DARMORV10_A03P16680.1) on chromosome A03 of oilseed rape encodes a fatty acid desaturase with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid desaturase activities. The gene is associated with unsaturated fatty acid anabolism, lipogenesis, and the lipoxygenase pathway, as well as cold acclimation, salt and temperature stress responses, and endosperm development. It has been linked to alpha-linolenic and linoleic acid content, seed protein content, photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, stomatal resistance, leaf area index, seed viability, flower development, and disease tolerance. The encoded protein localises to the chloroplast membrane and endoplasmic reticulum. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to linolenic acid content, cold tolerance, aphid resistance, and salt tolerance.