SBE1 — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB228530, designated SBE1 on maize chromosome 5, encodes a 1,4-alpha-glucan branching enzyme (EC 2.4.1.18) that contains glycoside hydrolase family 13 and alpha-amylase/branching C domains. The gene is associated with starch biosynthesis, amylopectin anabolism, and regulation of starch metabolism, as well as carbohydrate storage and starch breakdown. It has been linked to amyloplast localisation and to regulation of endosperm development. Associations with agronomic traits include amylose content, starch content, grain weight, grain width, grain number, grain yield, seed weight, seed maturation, and seedling vigor. The gene is also linked to net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal resistance. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to branching, endosperm, and seed phenotypes.