Wei Wang

Modern Agricultural Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 1   doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0004
Received: 20 Dec., 2023    Accepted: 23 Jan., 2024    Published: 02 Feb., 2024

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.

Wang W., 2024, The role of isoenzymatic variation in delineating phylogenetic relationships within Zea genus, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 15(1): 25-33 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0004)

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.

Zea genus; Isoenzymatic variation; Phylogenetic relationships; Genetic diversity; Molecular markers, Genetic differentiation