β-Amylase (BAM) is an important starch hydrolase, playing a role in a variety of plant growth and development processes. In this study, 22 BAM gene family members (GFMs) were identified in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), an ancient crop gaining modern consumer acceptance because of its nutritional qualities. The genetic structure, phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships, and expression patterns of CqBAM GFMs in different tissues, were analyzed. Phylogenetic analyses assigned the CqBAMs, AtBAMs, and OsBAMs into four clades. The CqBAM gene family had expanded due to segmental duplication. RNA-seq analysis revealed expression of the duplicated pairs to be similar, with the expression of CqBAM GFM pairs showing a degree of tissue specificity that was confirmed by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Several CqBAM GFMs were also responsive to abiotic stresses in shoots and/or roots. In conclusion, the BAM gene family in quinoa was identified and systematically analyzed using bioinformatics and experimental methods. These results will help to elucidate the evolutionary relationship and biological functions of the BAM gene family in quinoa.
Keywords: BAM gene family; Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa); bioinformatics; expression patterns; phylogeny; β-amylase.