EPSPS — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB378020 (ZmEPSPS) on maize chromosome 9 encodes a 3-phosphoshikimate 1-carboxyvinyltransferase (EC 2.5.1.19), the EPSP synthase enzyme. The protein localises to the chloroplast stroma. The gene is associated with Roundup metabolism and with a wide range of biological processes including response to stimulus, protein processing, water transport, and oxidative phosphorylation. It has been linked to several agronomically important traits: grain yield, grain weight, grain number, grain moisture content, plant height, days to maturity, seedling vigor, heterosis, lignin content, stomatal resistance, quantum yield, photochemical quenching, insect damage, glyphosate sensitivity, and IAA content. Studies of related genes in other species link EPSPS homologues to glyphosate tolerance and resistance, while rice studies connect the family to grain and development traits.