ZEP — Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Summary

DCAR_009507, symbol ZEP (also known as DcZEP), on carrot chromosome 3 encodes a zeaxanthin epoxidase, a monooxygenase with FAD binding activity. This gene is associated with abscisic acid, carotene, xanthophyll, and carotenoid biosynthesis, as well as multicellular organismal water homeostasis and response to thirst. The gene product localizes to the chloroplast thylakoid membrane, chloroplast membrane, plasma membrane, and mitochondria. ZEP is linked to root development, response to oomycetes, and traits including root color, carotene content, and carotenoid content. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to plant height, stem diameter, and fresh weight.