Adaptive evolution of the Populus tremula photoperiod pathway
David Hall1, Xiao-Fei Ma, Pär K Ingvarsson
1Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
Molecular Ecology
|February 12, 2011
Summary
Perennial plants use photoperiod pathway genes to sense seasonal changes. Research reveals these genes, particularly those in the circadian clock, show signs of adaptive evolution in Populus tremula.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Evolutionary genetics
- Molecular ecology
Background:
- Perennial plants adapt to seasonal changes via environmental cues like light.
- Photoperiod pathway genes regulate these adaptive responses.
- Understanding adaptive evolution in these genes is crucial for plant science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate adaptive evolution signatures in 25 photoperiod pathway genes in Populus tremula.
- To determine the role of natural selection in protein evolution within this pathway.
- To identify specific genes or gene groups under selection.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of synonymous and nonsynonymous polymorphisms in 25 photoperiod pathway genes.
- Comparison of polymorphism levels to random genomic loci.
- Estimation of selection on nonsynonymous polymorphisms.
- Identification of genes evolving under positive selection.
Main Results:
- Synonymous polymorphism levels in photoperiod genes were lower than control loci, especially in circadian clock genes.
- Approximately 40% of photoperiod pathway genes showed significant selection on nonsynonymous polymorphisms.
- Circadian clock-associated genes were over-represented among those evolving under positive selection (7 out of 8).
Conclusions:
- Natural selection plays a significant role in shaping protein evolution in the Populus tremula photoperiod pathway.
- Circadian clock genes are key targets of adaptive evolution in response to seasonal changes.
- These findings enhance our understanding of plant adaptation mechanisms.
More Related Videos
10:10Investigating Tissue- and Organ-specific Phytochrome Responses using FACS-assisted Cell-type Specific Expression Profiling in Arabidopsis thaliana
Published on: May 29, 2010
07:45Using Changes in Leaf Transmission to Investigate Chloroplast Movement in Arabidopsis thaliana
Published on: July 14, 2021
Related Concept Videos
02:45Biological Clocks and Seasonal Responses
The circadian—or biological—clock is an intrinsic, timekeeping, molecular mechanism that allows plants to coordinate physiological activities over 24-hour cycles called circadian rhythms. Photoperiodism is a collective term for the biological responses of plants to variations in the relative lengths of dark and light periods. The period of light-exposure is called the photoperiod.
02:00Photoreceptors and Plant Responses to Light
Light plays a significant role in regulating the growth and development of plants. In addition to providing energy for photosynthesis, light provides other important cues to regulate a range of developmental and physiological responses in plants.
01:24Evolution of New Traits in Microbes
Microorganisms evolve rapidly due to their large population sizes and short generation times, often exhibiting measurable changes within days under laboratory conditions. Natural selection acts on standing genetic variation, enabling the retention and amplification of beneficial traits that confer fitness advantages in changing environments.Adaptive Pigment Regulation in RhodobacterIn Rhodobacter, a genus of purple non-sulfur bacteria, light-harvesting pigments such as bacteriochlorophyll and...
01:27C4 Pathway and CAM
Most plants use the C3 pathway for carbon fixation. However, some plants, such as sugar cane, corn, and cacti that grow in hot conditions, use alternative pathways to fix carbon and conserve energy loss due to photorespiration. Photorespiration is the process that occurs when the oxygen concentration is high. Under such conditions, the rubisco enzyme in the Calvin cycle binds O2 instead of CO2, which halts photosynthesis and consumes energy.
C4 Pathway
The C4 pathway is used by plants such as...
C4 Pathway
The C4 pathway is used by plants such as...
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...
02:04Regulation of Transpiration by Stomata
During photosynthesis, plants acquire the necessary carbon dioxide and release the produced oxygen back into the atmosphere. Openings in the epidermis of plant leaves is the site of this exchange of gasses. A single opening is called a stoma—derived from the Greek word for “mouth.” Stomata open and close in response to a variety of environmental cues.