ZEP — Capsicum annuum

Summary

T459_00717 (ZEP, also known as ABA2) encodes a FAD-binding domain-containing protein with zeaxanthin epoxidase activity and monooxygenase activity, and binds FAD. This gene is associated with abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and signaling, xanthophyll and carotenoid anabolism, and responses to stress, light, and water homeostasis, including stomatal movement and thirst response. It is linked to fruit development, chlorophyll fluorescence, and sucrose and phenylpropanoid metabolism. The product localizes to chloroplast and thylakoid membranes, as well as mitochondria. Associations with plant fresh weight and ABA sensitivity have been noted. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to zeaxanthin and carotenoid content, plant height, stem diameter, photochemical quenching, wound response, climacteric ripening, and tuber dormancy.