B1 — Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Summary

DcB1 (DCAR_009395) on carrot chromosome 3 encodes a beta-carotene 3-hydroxylase, a member of the fatty acid hydroxylase family with iron-binding and hydrolase activity. The enzyme is localized to the chloroplast membrane and is associated with carotene metabolism, xanthophyll and carotenoid anabolism, and antioxidant capacity. The gene has been linked to carotenoid purity, accumulation, and hydroxylation, as well as tuber flesh color, flower pigmentation, seed germination, and drought tolerance. Associations with nonphotochemical quenching and altered carotenoid profiles in seeds and leaves have also been reported. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to xanthophyll and zeaxanthin content, root and fruit color, carotenoid levels, and traits such as plant height, flowering time, and chilling tolerance.