Identification and Characterization of PHT1 Transporters Family and Differential Expression Patterns in Control and Blindness Broccoli Plants

Abstract

Phosphorous is predominantly taken up by the plant from the soil in its inorganic form (Pi). This energy-consuming process is carried out by a family of high-affinity Pi transporters (PHT). The objective of the present study was the identification and characterization of the PHT1 Pi transporter family in Brassica oleracea var. italica, broccoli plants. A total of 31 PHT1 gene sequences were identified in broccoli plants and were fully characterized. In addition, RNA sequencing expression of control and blinded broccoli plants was carried out with different tissues in order to understand the implication of these transporters, PHT1, in broccoli blindness.