Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the β-Amylase Gene Family in .

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