B1 — Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Summary

DCAR_014519 (DcB1) on carrot chromosome 4 encodes a beta-carotene 3-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.15.24) with iron-binding and hydrolase activity, belonging to the BETA-OHASE-like and fatty acid hydroxylase families. The enzyme is associated with carotene metabolism, xanthophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis, and localises to the chloroplast membrane. In carrot, the gene family has been linked to antioxidant capacity and carotenoid purity. Associations include carotenoid content, drought tolerance, nonphotochemical quenching, tuber flesh colour, flower pigmentation, seed germination, and altered carotenoid profiles in seeds and leaves with increased beta-carotene-derived xanthophylls or higher lutein. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to traits such as root and flower colour, fruit size, lycopene and zeaxanthin content, plant height, flowering time, chilling tolerance, and abscisic acid biosynthesis.