ALS — Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Summary

DCAR_007493, the carrot gene DcALS on chromosome 2, encodes an acetolactate synthase (ALS; EC 2.2.1.6). This enzyme binds thiamine pyrophosphate, FAD, and magnesium, and is associated with acetolactate synthase activity, pyruvate decarboxylase activity, and 2-hydroxyacyl-CoA lyase activity. In carrot, DcALS is associated with branched-chain amino acid anabolism, valine anabolism, carotenoid anabolism, fatty acid alpha-oxidation, response to herbicide, seed germination, and root development. The protein localises to the chloroplast stroma and the acetolactate synthase complex. A specific G121A variant in this gene is linked to herbicide tolerance, and the gene is also associated with chlorophyll content. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to herbicide sensitivity and resistance, amino acid and cellulose content, water use efficiency, root length, and plant growth and development.