CHIT3 — Medicago truncatula

Summary

MTR_4G063180, also known as CHIT3, MtACCICER, or MtCHITINASE, encodes a glycoside hydrolase superfamily protein with chitinase and lysozyme activities, and binds calcium ions. This barrel medic gene on chromosome 4 is associated with chitin and polysaccharide breakdown, defence response to fungi, nitrogen fixation, nodulation, spore formation and germination, seed germination, and seedling development. The product localises to the amyloplast, vacuole, and extracellular space. The gene has been connected to seed hardness, seed dormancy, and biomass yield. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to traits including drought tolerance, plant height, root architecture, seed weight, chlorophyll content, and phosphorus content.