ZDS — Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Summary

DCAR_006616 (ZDS, also known as DcPDE181, DcZDS, DcSPC1, PDE181, and SPC1) on carrot chromosome 2 encodes a zeta-carotene desaturase, a FAD/NAD-binding oxidoreductase with 9,9'-di-cis-zeta-carotene desaturase and phytoene dehydrogenase activities. The enzyme localises to plastid membranes, including the chloroplast thylakoid and envelope, and is associated with carotenoid, carotene, and lycopene biosynthesis, as well as secondary growth, root development, protein homotetramerization, post-transcriptional gene silencing, and nitric oxide storage. The gene has been connected to root color, carotenoid content, and respiration rate, and linked to leaf and chloroplast development, retrograde signalling, abscisic acid biosynthesis, photoprotection, and plant growth. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to traits including carotene, lutein, and chlorophyll content, fruit and flower color, fruit firmness and weight, plant height, drought tolerance, and root morphology.