EF1A — Zea mays

Summary

ZmEF1A, encoded by the maize gene ZM00001EB385900 on chromosome 9, is a translation elongation factor with GTPase activity, GTP binding, and mRNA binding functions, belonging to the eukaryotic/archaeal elongation factor 1A family. In maize, the gene is associated with a wide range of biological processes including C4 photosynthesis, cytokinin breakdown, phytoalexin biosynthesis, detection of fungi, and F-actin severing. It has been linked to agronomically important traits such as grain lysine and tryptophan content, grain yield and size, plant height, leaf dimensions, root and shoot biomass, cold and drought tolerance, heterosis, and pollen fertility. The encoded protein localizes to the cytoplasm. Studies of related genes in other species further connect this family to fundamental translation processes.