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Seed development and genomic imprinting in plants
Claudia Köhler1, Ueli Grossniklaus
1Institute of Plant Biology and Zürich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zürich, Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland.
Progress in Molecular and Subcellular Biology
|May 11, 2005
Summary
Genomic imprinting, an epigenetic process, shows similar gene control over growth and cell proliferation in mammals and seed plants. Despite independent evolution, both utilize DNA methylation for parent-specific gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon where gene expression depends on parental origin.
- This process has been primarily observed in mammals and seed plants.
- Imprinted genes play crucial roles in embryonic and seed development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role of imprinted genes in seed development.
- To compare genomic imprinting in plants with that in mammals.
- To explore mechanistic similarities and differences in imprinting between these groups.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of genomic imprinting in mammals and seed plants.
- Review of existing literature on imprinted genes and their functions.
- Examination of the role of DNA methylation in parent-specific gene expression.
Main Results:
- Many imprinted genes regulate cell proliferation and growth in both mammals and plants.
- Plant imprinting may also influence gamete differentiation during double fertilization.
- DNA methylation is implicated in parent-of-origin-specific expression in both taxa.
Conclusions:
- Genomic imprinting evolved independently in mammals and plants.
- Striking similarities exist in the phenotypic roles of imprinted genes, particularly in growth control.
- Mechanistic parallels, including the involvement of DNA methylation, suggest convergent evolution.