psbA — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB435620, the maize psbA gene on chromosome scaf_45, encodes the D1 protein of photosystem II. The product is a chlorophyll-binding oxidoreductase (EC 1.10.3.9) with oxygen-evolving and electron transfer activities, localised to the chloroplast thylakoid membrane within the photosystem II complex. In maize, psbA is associated with C4 photosynthesis, light absorption, plastid gene expression, membrane biogenesis, and cellular respiration. The gene has been linked to several agronomically important traits, including net photosynthetic rate, quantum yield, chlorophyll content, water use efficiency, drought tolerance, leaf colour and size, heterosis, and cytoplasmic male sterility. Related genes in other species also connect the family to grain protein content.