PAL — Zea mays

Summary

ZmPAL (ZM00001EB247660) on maize chromosome 5 encodes a protein with phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity (EC 4.3.1.24) and tyrosine ammonia-lyase activity, belonging to the aromatic lyase and Phe/NH3-lyase families. The gene is associated with phenylpropanoid metabolism, including cinnamic acid and lignin anabolism, as well as salicylic acid and alkaloid metabolism. It is linked to responses to UV, UV-A, and UV-B light, and to processes such as dedifferentiation, cell wall assembly, protein homotetramerization, and folate metabolism. Associations with agronomic traits include flavonoid and lignin content, plant height, seed germination, transpiration rate, and stomatal resistance. The product localizes to the cytoplasm and macromolecular complexes. Studies of related genes in other species further connect the family to ammonia-lyase activity.