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Zein proteins: a multigene family from maize endosperm

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Abstract

This paper considers the main aspects of the genetic organization of the synthesis of zeins in maize endosperm. Recent advances in zein chemistry and biochemistry are discussed and the organization of zein structural genes is presented with particular emphasis on their arrangement within a multigene family. Maize chromosomes 7 and 4 bear zein structural genes. The regulation of zein synthesis is discussed in relation to opaque loci and a model is presented to explain the relationship between the regulatory genes02 and06 and the synthesis of zein polypeptides.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Istituto Biosintesi Vegetali, CNR, via Bassini 15, I-20133, Milano, Italy

    Carlo Soave

  2. Istituto sperimentale per la Cerealicoltura, Sezione di Bergamo, via Stezzano 24, I-24100, Bergamo, Italy

    Francesco Salamini

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  1. Carlo Soave
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  2. Francesco Salamini
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Soave, C., Salamini, F. Zein proteins: a multigene family from maize endosperm. Plant Food Hum Nutr 31, 191–203 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01108630

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