Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 149-161 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 149 Review Article Open Access Molecular Insights into the Photosynthetic Machinery of Maize Jin Zhou, Minli Xu Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572000, China Corresponding author: minli.xu@cuixi.org 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 Copyright © 2024 Zhou and Xu, 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. Preferred citation for this article: Zhou J., and Xu M.L., 2024, Molecular insights into the photosynthetic machinery of maize, Bioscience Methods, 15(4): 149-161 (doi: 10.5376/bm.2024.15.0016) Abstract 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. Keywords Maize; Photosynthesis; Carbonic anhydrase; Chloroplast development; Genetic regulation 1 Introduction Photosynthesis is a fundamental biological process that converts solar energy into chemical energy, fueling almost all life on Earth. This process involves the absorption of light, the transfer of excitation energy to reaction centers, primary photochemistry, electron and proton transport, ATP synthesis, and CO2 fixation through the Calvin-Benson cycle and the Hatch-Slack cycle (Stirbet et al., 2019). Photosynthetic organisms, including plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, utilize a sophisticated apparatus to split water and transport electrons to high-energy electron acceptors, balancing energy harvesting and utilization to prevent cellular damage (Lima-Melo et al., 2021). The efficiency of photosynthesis is crucial for plant growth and productivity, and it is influenced by various factors, including light intensity, wavelength, and environmental conditions (Chen et al., 2018). Maize (Zea mays L.), also known as corn, is one of the most important cereal crops globally, serving as a staple food for millions of people and a critical feedstock for livestock (Zhou and Xu, 2024). Understanding the photosynthetic machinery of maize is essential for improving its productivity and resilience to environmental stresses. Photosynthesis in maize, a C4 plant, involves unique mechanisms that enhance its efficiency, such as the spatial separation of initial CO2 fixation and the Calvin cycle, which reduces photorespiration (Li et al., 2023a). Research has shown that optimizing photosynthetic efficiency can significantly increase crop yields and help mitigate the impacts of climate change (Liu et al., 2019; Li et al., 2023). Additionally, studies on the interaction between maize and nanomaterials have revealed potential strategies to enhance photosynthesis and growth through metabolic reprogramming (Li et al., 2020a). This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the photosynthetic machinery in maize. This includes examining the roles of key components such as Photosystem I (PSI) and Photosystem II (PSII), the regulation and protection of these systems under fluctuating environmental conditions, and the potential for bioengineering to enhance photosynthetic efficiency. By synthesizing current research findings, this study aims to identify knowledge gaps and propose future research directions to improve maize photosynthesis and, consequently, its agricultural productivity.
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