PECS-2.1 — Cucumis sativus

Summary

CSA_5G568300, also known as PECS-2.1, encodes a pectinesterase enzyme (EC 3.1.1.11) with pectinesterase inhibitor activity, mRNA binding, and protein binding functions. This cucumber gene on chromosome 5 is associated with pectin breakdown, cell wall modification, and ethylene anabolism, as well as sex determination, adventitious root development, root hair cell development, and callus formation. It has been linked to fruit firmness, photosynthetic rate, root mass density, germination rate, and flower development traits. The gene is also associated with responses to nematodes, Gram-negative bacteria, zinc, and stress, along with starch breakdown, fermentation, and spore germination. Localization evidence places the product in the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, cytosol, and stress granules. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to susceptibility to necrotrophic pathogens, fungal infection, and reduced photosynthetic capacity.