FLO4 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmFLO4 (ZM00001EB287770) on maize chromosome 6 encodes pyruvate, phosphate dikinase (EC 2.7.9.1), a plastid-localised enzyme with ATP-binding and kinase activity that operates in the chloroplast stroma and envelope. The gene is associated with C4 photosynthesis, the xanthophyll cycle, photoprotection, gluconeogenesis, pyruvate metabolism, phosphoglycerate and phosphoenolpyruvate transport, nitrogen utilisation, stomatal closure, and ATP anabolism. It has been linked to grain yield, grain size, protein content, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, quantum yield, specific leaf area, shoot dry weight, leaf colour, chloroplast development, cold tolerance, drought tolerance, disease tolerance, flowering time, and phosphate content. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to floury endosperm, grain texture, starch content, amylose content, grain filling, seed development, and nitrogen remobilisation.