Figure 4.

The SERPIN-Z proteins in wheat consist of two groups (1 and 2) of homeologous genes. (A) The six SERPIN-Z proteins form two phylogenetic groups, with each group comprising three members, from the A, B and D genome. (B) Expression of SERPIN-Z genes in transcripts per million (TPM) across spike and grain tissues. “WSZ group” refers to the SERPIN-Z group of storage proteins, which can be separated into two groups, Z1 and Z2. These genes are highly expressed in the endosperm, whole grain, aleurone and transfer cells of the developing wheat grain, and expressed at very low levels in the ovary, rachis, seed coat or whole spike. Overall, the SERPIN-Z1 group of genes were expressed at a higher level than the Z2 group.