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Epigenetic variation, inheritance, and selection in plant populations
S Hirsch1, R Baumberger, U Grossniklaus
1Institute of Plant Biology & Zürich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zürich, CH-8008 Zürich, Switzerland.
Cold Spring Harbor Symposia on Quantitative Biology
|April 27, 2013
Summary
Epigenetic variation, influenced by the environment, may play a role in plant adaptation and evolution. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and significance of inherited epigenetic changes in plants.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Phenotypic diversity in plant populations arises from genetic and epigenetic variation.
- Epigenetic variants are generated more rapidly than genetic variants and can be influenced by environmental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epigenetic regulation mechanisms, environmental responses, inheritance, and implications for plant adaptation and evolution.
- To clarify the role of environmentally induced epigenetic changes in plant ecology and evolution.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on epigenetic variation in plants.
- Analysis of studies on epigenetic responses to environmental challenges and their heritability.
- Examination of evidence for adaptive epigenetic alleles and natural selection.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic variation is a significant source of phenotypic diversity in plants.
- Environmental factors can induce epigenetic changes that may be heritable.
- Evidence suggests epigenetic variants can be subject to natural selection, potentially contributing to adaptation.
Conclusions:
- The role of inherited epigenetic variation in plant adaptation and evolution requires further investigation.
- Understanding epigenetic mechanisms is crucial for insights into ecological and evolutionary processes in plants.
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