ZEP — Cucumis sativus

Summary

CsZEP (CSA_2G277050) on cucumber chromosome 2 encodes a zeaxanthin epoxidase with FAD binding and zeaxanthin epoxidase activity (EC 1.14.15.21). The product localises to the chloroplast membrane, thylakoid membrane and envelope. CsZEP is associated with abscisic acid and xanthophyll anabolism, carotenoid anabolism, chlorophyll breakdown, water homeostasis, sugar-mediated signalling, response to red light and heat, fruit development, gibberellin and ABA signalling, and osmotic response. It has been connected to carotene content, photosynthetic rate, quantum yield, transpiration rate, stomatal resistance, photochemical quenching, seed coat suberization, xanthophyll composition, photooxidative stress tolerance, non-photochemical quenching, salt and temperature stress tolerance, aphid resistance, stomatal closure, seed germination, cell death, chloroplast movement, and hydrotropism. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to drought tolerance, abscisic acid biosynthesis, photoprotection, disease resistance, seed dormancy, and the xanthophyll cycle.