MAR1 — Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Summary

DCAR_007432 (DcMAR1) on carrot chromosome 2 encodes a protein containing POTRA and BamA-like domains. The gene product exhibits protein translocase activity, chloroplast targeting sequence receptor activity, and transmembrane signaling receptor activity, and localizes to the chloroplast outer membrane and Toc complex. DcMAR1 is associated with chloroplast and etioplast organization, protein import into chloroplasts, and the transition from vegetative to reproductive phase. The gene has been linked to multiple agronomically relevant traits including root thickness and morphology, chlorophyll content, flowering time, disease tolerance, and linolenic acid content. Associations with plastid development, embryogenesis, deetiolation, root gravitropism, iron homeostasis, and cold stress response have also been observed. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to chloroplast protein import and plastid biogenesis.