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GC content variation in angiosperm genomes reveals GC-biased gene conversion.
Qing Xian1, Liu Yang1, Yuan Wang1
1Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, Shandong, China.
Planta
|April 15, 2026
Summary
Angiosperm genomes show diverse GC content, with grasses (Poaceae) having higher levels and variation. This diversity is linked to GC-biased gene conversion, influencing plant genetic diversity.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Plant Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Genome nucleotide composition is crucial for plant genetic diversity.
- Understanding GC content variation across angiosperms is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze GC content diversity across major angiosperm groups.
- To investigate factors influencing GC content variation.
Main Methods:
- Multilevel GC analysis of 495 angiosperm genomes using SeqKit.
- Quantification of GC content at whole-genome, chromosomal, gene, and codon scales.
- Estimation of recombination rates using mlRho v2.9.
Main Results:
- Angiosperm GC content varies significantly among lineages (monocots > eudicots), with Poaceae showing the highest levels.
- Coding regions exhibit higher GC content, with maximal variation at the third codon position (GC3).
- GC content correlates positively with chromosome length and recombination rate, with bimodal GC distributions observed in Poaceae.
Conclusions:
- GC-biased gene conversion (gBGC) is a primary driver of GC diversity in angiosperms.
- GC content variation is shaped by gBGC operating neutrally and locally.
- These findings provide insights into the evolutionary forces shaping plant genome composition.
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