PSY — Cucumis melo

Summary

MELO3C016185.2 (PSY3) on melon chromosome 8 encodes a phytoene synthase, an enzyme with squalene/phytoene synthase activity (EC 2.5.1.32). This gene is associated with carotenoid anabolism and metabolism, chromoplast and chloroplast organization, de-etiolation, response to light stimulus, and embryo development ending in seed dormancy. The encoded protein localizes to plastids, including etioplasts and chromoplast stroma, as well as mitochondria, cytosol, and nucleus. PSY3 is linked to fruit traits including carotenoid content, color, ripening, and growth and development, along with alpha carotene content, photosynthetic rate, respiration rate, ethylene sensitivity, cell elongation, flowering time, and drought tolerance. Studies of related genes in other species connect the phytoene synthase family to fruit pigmentation, lycopene accumulation, abscisic acid biosynthesis, and stress responses including cold and thermotolerance.