PDS — Solanum lycopersicum

Summary

SOLYC03G123760.3, the tomato PDS gene on chromosome 3, encodes a phytoene desaturase with FAD binding, phytoene dehydrogenase and 9,9'-di-cis-zeta-carotene desaturase activities. The product localises to plastid membranes, chloroplast thylakoids and envelopes. PDS is associated with the regulation of carotenoid anabolism and breakdown, including lutein, lycopene and capsorubin metabolism, as well as isoprenoid and folate metabolism, chlororespiration, and immune system processes. The gene has been linked to numerous agronomic traits, including fruit colour, firmness, weight, shape and size, leaf colour and angle, lycopene, beta-carotene, lutein, xanthophyll, flavonoid, sucrose and nitrate content, photosynthetic rate, quantum yield, water use efficiency, transpiration, respiration, stomatal resistance, ethylene sensitivity, seed maturation, root branching, and parasitic weed response. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to carotenoid biosynthesis, photobleaching, chloroplast biogenesis, drought tolerance and chilling injury resistance.