RAC1 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmRAC1 (also known as RAC1, ZmROP8, and several other synonyms) on maize chromosome 4 encodes a small GTPase of the Rho family, with annotated activities including GTPase binding, GDP binding, and protein geranylgeranyltransferase activity. The gene is associated with the maintenance of cell polarity, plasma membrane organization, calcium-mediated signaling, and secondary cell wall biogenesis. It localizes to sites of polarized growth such as the pollen tube tip and filiform apparatus. ZmRAC1 is associated with ear length, seed yield, drought sensitivity, root hair length, lateral root number, floral organ length, and floret number. It is also associated with abscisic acid concentration, phosphorus response, and responses to osmotic and salt stress. Related genes in other species are linked to disease resistance, defense responses, fertility, and grain development.