CSD1 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmCSD1 (ZM00001EB330020) on maize chromosome 7 encodes a copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD) with copper-binding and protein homodimerization activity, classified as EC 1.15.1.1. The gene is associated with removal of superoxide radicals, cellular responses to ozone, high light intensity, UV-B, copper, and sucrose stimulus, as well as oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial depolarization. The product localizes to the thylakoid, chloroplast stroma, cytosol, apoplast, and plasmodesma. ZmCSD1 is associated with grain yield, grain number, seed weight, ear length, plant height, leaf chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal resistance, root length, and tolerance to drought, salt, heat, and bacterial blight. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to oxidative stress tolerance, defense responses, and fungal and bacterial disease resistance.