Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
08:05
Efficient and Rapid Isolation of Early-stage Embryos from Arabidopsis thaliana Seeds
Published on: June 7, 2013
Genomic imprinting in plant embryos.
1Biocenter Klein Flottbek, Developmental Biology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Germany. s.scholten@botanik.uni-hamburg.de
Epigenetics
|June 5, 2010
Summary
Genomic imprinting, a parent-specific gene expression, is more complex in plants than previously thought. Recent findings reveal its presence in plant embryos, suggesting a broader epigenetic regulatory system.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Plant Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Genomic imprinting is parent-of-origin-specific monoallelic gene expression.
- This epigenetic mechanism evolved independently in mammals and plants.
- In plants, imprinting was previously thought to be limited to extra-embryonic tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and extent of genomic imprinting in plant embryos.
- To explore the complexity of epigenetic regulation in plant development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of parent-of-origin dependent gene expression.
- Identification of imprinted genes in plant embryos.
Main Results:
- Parent-of-origin dependent gene expression was identified in plant embryos.
- This finding challenges the previous understanding of imprinting in plants.
Conclusions:
- Genomic imprinting in plants is not restricted to extra-embryonic tissues.
- Plant imprinting involves a more complex epigenetic regulatory system than previously recognized.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:30Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
01:22Imprinting
Behavioral imprinting is observed in some newborn animals and occurs when they develop strong and specific attachments to another animal (usually a parent) following brief, early-life exposures. Offspring imprint onto parents within a brief period after birth or hatching; this time window is called the critical period. Once imprinting occurs, the bond established between the parents and their offspring is usually long-lasting.
02:50Transgenic Plants
Recombinant DNA technology called transgenesis is often used to add a foreign gene or remove a detrimental gene from an organism. Such genetically modified organisms are called transgenic organisms.
The first-ever transgenic plant was a tobacco plant developed in 1983 that showed resistance against the tobacco mosaic virus. Since then, many transgenic plants have been developed and commercialized for improving the agricultural, ornamental, and horticultural value of a crop plant. Transgenic...
The first-ever transgenic plant was a tobacco plant developed in 1983 that showed resistance against the tobacco mosaic virus. Since then, many transgenic plants have been developed and commercialized for improving the agricultural, ornamental, and horticultural value of a crop plant. Transgenic...
02:19Morphogenesis
Plant morphogenesis—the development of a plant’s form and structure—involves several overlapping developmental processes, including growth and cell differentiation. Precursor cells differentiate into specific cell types, which are organized into the tissues and organ systems that make up the functional plant.