ARF — Solanum lycopersicum

Summary

SlARF (SOLYC05G005190.3) on tomato chromosome 5 encodes a small GTPase of the Arf1-5-like family, with GTPase activity, GTP binding, G protein activity and phospholipase activator activity. The gene is associated with diverse developmental and metabolic processes including leaflet and sepal formation, placentation, root system and adventitious root development, floral organ abscission, and system development. It is linked to auxin, polyamine, carotenoid, chlorophyll and starch metabolism, cuticle anabolism, acid secretion, and protein targeting. The encoded protein localises to the Golgi complex and cytoplasm. Associations with agronomic traits include fruit firmness and size, starch and sugar content, leaf relative water content and angle, plant height, stem elongation, root length, chlorophyll content, stomatal resistance, and ethylene sensitivity. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to organ identity.