Jin  Zhou , Minli Xu

Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572000, China
Author    Correspondence author
Bioscience Methods, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 4   doi: 10.5376/bm.2024.15.0016
Received: 01 May, 2024    Accepted: 10 Jun., 2024    Published: 01 Jul., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Zhou J., and Xu L.M., 2024, Molecular insights into the photosynthetic machinery of maize, Bioscience Methods, 15(4): 149-161 (doi: 10.5376/bm.2024.15.0016)

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying photosynthesis in maize (Zea mays L.) is crucial for improving crop yield and resilience. This study synthesizes recent advances in the study of maize photosynthetic machinery, focusing on key genetic and biochemical components. Carbonic anhydrase ZmCA4 has been shown to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and maize yield by interacting with aquaporin ZmPIP2; influencing CO₂ signaling and photosystem activity. Comparative transcriptome analyses of maize mutants reveal significant alterations in chlorophyll content and photosynthetic parameters, highlighting the importance of chlorophyll metabolism and related gene expression. The role of Golden2-like transcription factors in boosting chloroplast development and photosynthesis in maize and other crops is also discussed, demonstrating their potential in improving grain yield. Additionally, the SCARECROW gene and ferredoxin proteins are identified as critical for maintaining photosynthetic capacity and chloroplast function in maize. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the genetic and molecular factors that regulate photosynthesis in maize, offering insights for future research and crop improvement strategies.

Maize; Photosynthesis; Carbonic anhydrase; Chloroplast development; Genetic regulation