Unraveling the evolutionary origin of the gene: a story of gene fusion and horizontal transfer.

The accumulation of proline in response to the most diverse types of stress is a widespread defense mechanism. In prokaryotes, fungi, and certain unicellular eukaryotes (green algae), the first two reactions of proline biosynthesis occur through two distinct enzymes, γ-glutamyl kinase (GK E.C.

DOF gene family expansion and diversification.

DOF (DNA binding with one finger) proteins are part of a plant-specific transcription factor (TF) gene family widely involved in plant development and stress responses. Many studies have uncovered their structural and functional characteristics in recent years, leading to a rising number of genome-wide identification study approaches, unveiling the DOF family expansion in angiosperm species. Nonetheless, these studies primarily concentrate on particular taxonomic groups.

Molecular evolution and diversification of phytoene synthase (PSY) gene family.

Phytoene synthase (PSY) is a crucial enzyme required for carotenoid biosynthesis, encoded by a gene family conserved in carotenoid-producing organisms. This gene family is diversified in angiosperms through distinct duplication events. Understanding diversification patterns and the evolutionary history of the PSY gene family is important for explaining carotenogenesis in different plant tissues.