Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 27-35 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 27 Research Report OpenAcces The Role of Isoenzymatic Variation in Delineating Phylogenetic Relationships withinZeaGenus WeiWang Modern Agricultural Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author email: weiwang@cuixi.org Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0004 Received: 25 Dec., 2023 Accepted: 01 Feb., 2024 Published: 15 Feb., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang, 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: Wang, 2024, The role of isoenzymatic variation in delineating phylogenetic relationships within Zea Genus, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 15(1): 27-35 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0004) Abstract This research explores the role of isoenzymatic variation in delineating phylogenetic relationships within the genus Zea, which includes maize (Zea mays) and its wild relatives, the teosintes. The primary aim is to synthesize existing research on isoenzymatic markers to understand their effectiveness in resolving phylogenetic relationships and uncovering genetic diversity within Zea. The methodology involved a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed studies focusing on isoenzymatic variation, phylogenetic analysis, and genetic diversity in Zea, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Studies were selected based on their relevance, methodological rigor, and contributions to the field. Key findings indicate that isoenzymatic markers are effective in identifying genetic differentiation between maize and teosinte species, supporting the hypothesis of a single domestication event from Zea mays ssp. parviglumis. Isoenzymatic data also reveal significant genetic diversity within teosinte populations and highlight the role of hybridization and introgression in shaping the genetic landscape of modern maize. When integrated with molecular markers like SSRs, SNPs, and cpDNA, isoenzymatic data provide a more comprehensive understanding of phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary processes within Zea. The research underscores the strengths and limitations of isoenzymatic markers, emphasizing their value in functional genetic studies despite their lower resolution compared to DNA-based markers. Recommendations for future research include expanding the geographic and taxonomic scope of isoenzymatic studies, employing advanced analytical techniques, and integrating isoenzymatic data with genomic and proteomic analyses to enhance phylogenetic resolution. Keywords Zea genus; Isoenzymatic variation; Phylogenetic relationships; Genetic diversity; Molecular markers, Genetic differentiation The genus Zea, commonly known as maize or corn, holds significant agricultural and economic importance worldwide. Comprising several species, Zea includes both wild and domesticated varieties that have been studied extensively for their genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships. Understanding the phylogenetic relationships within the Zea genus is crucial for various applications, including crop improvement, conservation of genetic resources, and insights into evolutionary biology. Phylogenetic studies play a pivotal role in elucidating the evolutionary pathways and genetic relationships among species. By constructing phylogenetic trees, researchers can trace lineage diversification, identify ancestral traits, and understand speciation events (Schmidt and Bothme, 2009). In the context of Zea, phylogenetic analyses have provided essential insights into the domestication process and the genetic basis of important agronomic traits. These studies are foundational for advancing breeding programs and ensuring the sustainability of maize as a staple crop (Doebley, 2004). Isoenzymes, or isozymes, are multiple forms of an enzyme that catalyze the same biochemical reaction but differ in amino acid sequence and often in their electrophoretic mobility. These enzyme variants arise from different gene loci or alleles and serve as valuable markers for genetic variation. Isoenzymatic analysis has been employed extensively in plant genetics due to its reliability, simplicity, and ability to reveal polymorphisms that are informative for genetic and phylogenetic studies (Nevo, 2001; Smith and Smith, 2004). This research aims to synthesize the existing literature on the role of isoenzymatic variation in delineating phylogenetic relationships within the Zea genus. By examining the findings from various studies, this research seeks to highlight the contributions of isoenzymes to our understanding of Zea phylogeny and to discuss the
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