Given the limited number of TF families represented by 1 3 genes per family in Z. mays (Table 2; Additional file 7), the memory genes encoding NAC family TFs (amounting to ~50% of all TFs from the memory category) and the memory genes encoding Integrase-type AP2/ERF family, are standing out as exclusive features of the Z. mays TF memory genes.
Five families (AP2/ERF, bHLH, Homeodomain-Zip, MYB/Myb-like, and ZF) are represented in all memory categories; GRAS and HSF members display only and memory, and the CAAT family is represented only by memory genes.
Due to the tests available for these analyses, it was not possible to subdivide the Learning and Memory categories beyond modality effects.
The lack of interference in the Nap group should result in global consolidation benefits for both emotional and neutral memory categories.
The distribution of transcript levels for the dehydration stress-responsive memory genes in S1 and S3 illustrating the four memory categories is shown.
Although similar percentage (~10%) of memory genes encode TFs, the TF family types and their distribution among the memory categories is species-specific.
Accordingly, response genes were combined into six classes:, and, the first four representing the memory categories, the latter two representing the non-memory classes (Additional file 4).
Genes encoding membrane-associated functions are encoded by all four memory categories in maize.
The functional distribution within the memory categories is evaluated according to the Gene Ontology (GO) classification of the A. thaliana homologs.
Memory genes associated with the thylakoid membrane, however, are low (1 2%) among all four memory categories, as well as among the non-memory genes repetitiously responding to each consecutive stress.
