ZEP — Capsicum annuum

Summary

CaZEP (T459_16968) on pepper chromosome 6 encodes a zeaxanthin epoxidase, a monooxygenase with FAD binding and FAD/NAD-binding superfamily domains, and is associated with xanthophyll and abscisic acid anabolism, carotenoid anabolism, multicellular organismal water homeostasis, response to thirst, stomatal movement, and chlorophyll fluorescence. The product localises to the chloroplast thylakoid membrane and mitochondria. CaZEP is linked to plant fresh weight and abscisic acid signalling. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to zeaxanthin and carotenoid content, plant height, stem diameter, abscisic acid sensitivity, photochemical quenching, wound response, tuber dormancy, and climacteric ripening.