GRA78 encoding a putative S-sulfocysteine synthase is involved in chloroplast development at the early seedling stage of rice.

•S-sulfocysteine synthase gene was firstly identified in rice.•Mutation in S-sulfocysteine synthase caused albino phenotype of rice gra78 mutant.•Albino phenotype of gra78 was sensitive to temperature but independent of photoperiod.•The mutant phenotype was rescued by introduction of the wild-type GRA78 gene.•The GRA78 protein is targeted to the chloroplast.