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Published on: July 16, 2019
Genome evolution in allopolyploid wheat--a revolutionary reprogramming followed by gradual changes
Moshe Feldman1, Avraham A Levy
1Plant Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel. moshe.feldman@weizmann.ac.il
Journal of Genetics and Genomics = Yi Chuan Xue Bao
|September 29, 2009
Summary
Allopolyploidy drives wheat genome evolution through rapid genetic and epigenetic changes during formation and sustained genomic alterations throughout its life. This plasticity enhances wheat
Area of Science:
- Plant genetics
- Genomics
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- Allopolyploidy, the hybridization of two or more species followed by chromosome doubling, is a significant evolutionary force in plants.
- Wheat (Triticum spp.) is a prime example of an allopolyploid species with a complex genome.
- Understanding the genomic consequences of allopolyploidy is crucial for crop improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual mechanisms by which allopolyploidy accelerates genome evolution in wheat.
- To elucidate the 'revolutionary' and 'evolutionary' genomic changes occurring in allopolyploid wheat.
- To highlight the adaptive significance of these genomic alterations for wheat's fitness and competitiveness.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on wheat allopolyploidy and genome evolution.
- Analysis of genetic and epigenetic changes associated with allopolyploid formation and maintenance.
- Discussion of cytological and molecular evidence for genome diploidization and diversification.
Main Results:
- Allopolyploidization induces rapid, 'revolutionary' genetic and epigenetic changes, facilitating genome diploidization and establishment.
- The allopolyploid state enables 'evolutionary' genomic changes, increasing intra-specific diversity beyond diploid capabilities.
- These changes confer enhanced fitness, adaptability, and competitiveness to allopolyploid wheat.
Conclusions:
- Allopolyploidy provides a dynamic plasticity to the wheat genome, impacting both structure and function.
- The interplay of rapid and sporadic genomic changes is key to the evolutionary success of allopolyploid wheat.
- This review underscores the importance of allopolyploidy in shaping wheat's adaptive evolution.
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