Direction of Plant Genome Evolution
May 30, 2008| |
The apparent lack of correlation between the genome size of an organism and its complexity has long puzzled scientists. Simple organisms, like some fungi and bacteria, could have genomes that are many times larger than more complicated ones.
It has become clear that transposable genetic element play a role in genome size growth especially in plants. Recent studies on maize and cotton revealed that their genome sizes have significantly increased over the past few million years due to proliferation of retrotransposons, mobile genetic elements that can amplify themselves in the genome. Evidences suggest that the direction of plant genome size change is biased toward increase, albeit there must be some limit on genome size growth. Plants employ several mechanisms such as homologous recombination to remove “junk” DNA. The question remains, nonetheless, if these mechanisms really contribute in downsizing the genome.
The review paper by Hawkins et al. is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.plantsci.2008.03.015
| |
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- OECD/FAO Global Outlook: Food Prices Likely to Remain High
- FAO High Level Conference to Tackle World Food Security
- Russia and EU Strengthen Scientific Ties
- Monsanto, Syngenta Reach Global Pact; Settle Lawsuits
- DNA Fingerprinting Identifies Bean in Patent Dispute
- Scientists Develop “Genetic Pesticide” to Combat Termites
- Biotechnology Versus Sustainability: What do Students Think
- Protein Essential for Eggshell Formation Eyed as Pesticide Target
- New Website for Insect Control
- KeyGene and ARS Partner for Pepper Research
- Limited and Controlled Release of Perennial Rye Grass and Tall Fescue
- ICRISAT: Science Innovation can help Overcome Soaring Food Prices
- India Draft Plan to Establish National Biotech Regulatory Authority
- BASF and Academia Sinica Cooperate on Gene Discovery
- EU Parliament Calls for Gender Parity in Science
- EFSA on the Possible Presence of Unauthorized GM in U.S. Maize
-
Research Highlights
- No Deleterious Effect of Maize Bt Protein on Non Target Arthropods
- Scientists Discover Hidden Gene in Major Plant Virus Family
- Direction of Plant Genome Evolution
- Evolution of Lignin in Ancient Plants
-
Announcements
- International Symposium on Induced Mutations in Plants
- New Book Promotes GMOs and Organic Farming
- National Viticulture Research Conference
- World Biodiversity Congress
- International Soybean Conference in India
-
Resources
- CCSP Report on the Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture and Biodiversity
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (April 24, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (April 24, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet