Genome conflict in the gramineae

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Genomics
• Plant Biology

Background:

• Grasses and cereals possess numerous selfish genetic elements, often ancient relics.
• Active selfish elements can induce genomic conflict within and between species, particularly in hybrids and polyploids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review genome conflict driven by diverse genetic elements in grasses and cereals.
• To identify common themes linking various selfish genetic elements and their activities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of genetic elements in grass and cereal genomes.
• Analysis of conflict mechanisms such as transposition and chromosome drive.
• Examination of genomic instability in hybrids and polyploids.

Main Results:

• Selfish genetic elements actively perpetuate themselves, leading to genome conflict.
• Mechanisms like transposition, centromere drive, and B chromosome drive contribute to this conflict.
• Hybrids and polyploids exhibit instability as they adjust to new genomic combinations.

Conclusions:

• A unifying theme exists across diverse selfish genetic elements driving genome conflict.
• Understanding these conflicts is crucial for comprehending genome evolution in grasses and cereals.
• B chromosomes negatively impact fertility and plant physiology.