Epigenetics and its implications for plant biology. 1. The epigenetic network in plants.
BACKGROUND
Epigenetics has rapidly evolved in the past decade to form an exciting new branch of biology. In modern terms, 'epigenetics' studies molecular pathways regulating how the genes are packaged in the chromosome and expressed, with effects that are heritable between cell divisions and even across generations.


BACKGROUND
Epigenetic mechanisms often conflict with Mendelian models of genetics, and many components of the epigenetic systems in plants appeared anomalous. However, it is now clear that these systems govern how the entire genome operates and evolves.


METHODS
In the first part of a two-part review, how epigenetic systems in plants were elucidated is addressed. Also there is a discussion on how the different components of the epigenetic system--regulating DNA methylation, histones and their post-translational modification, and pathways recognizing aberrant transcripts--may work together.
Grant-Downton
R T
RT
Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, Rodney Porter Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RB, UK.
Dickinson
H G
HG
D000483:Alleles; D002678:Chimera / Q000235:genetics; D019175:DNA Methylation; D042003:DNA Packaging / Q000502:physiology; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000502:physiology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D017343:Genes, Plant / Q000502:physiology; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000502:physiology; D042421:Histone Code / Q000502:physiology; D006657:Histones / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D010944:Plants / Q000235:genetics*; D018749:RNA, Plant / Q000502:physiology; D019076:Transgenes / Q000502:physiology
D006657:Histones; D018749:RNA, Plant