ZDS — Triticum turgidum subsp. durum

Summary

TRITD2AV1G117040, designated TtZDS (also known as TtSPC1 or TtPDE181) on durum wheat chromosome 2A, encodes a zeta-carotene desaturase with 9,9'-di-cis-zeta-carotene desaturase and phytoene dehydrogenase activities, binding FAD and localizing to the chloroplast thylakoid and envelope. This gene is associated with carotenoid, lycopene, and carotene anabolism, as well as pigment breakdown, protein homotetramerization, and response to herbicide. It has been linked to zeaxanthin and carotenoid content, leaf and chloroplast development, retrograde signalling, abscisic acid biosynthesis, photoprotection, and plant growth. Studies of related genes in other species connect it to grain yield, weight, texture, protein content, flour color, amylose and amylopectin content, plant height, anthesis time, leaf stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and pre-harvest sprouting.