The role of repetitive DNA in structure and evolution of sex chromosomes in plants.
Eukaryotic genomes contain a large proportion of repetitive DNA sequences, mostly transposable elements (TEs) and tandem repeats. These repetitive sequences often colonize specific chromosomal (Y or W chromosomes, B chromosomes) or subchromosomal (telomeres, centromeres) niches. Sex chromosomes, especially non-recombining regions of the Y chromosome, are subject to different evolutionary forces compared with autosomes. In non-recombining regions of the Y chromosome repetitive DNA sequences are accumulated, representing a dominant and early process forming the Y chromosome, probably before genes start to degenerate. Here we review the occurrence and role of repetitive DNA in Y chromosome evolution in various species with a focus on dioecious plants. We also discuss the potential link between recombination and transposition in shaping genomes.
Kejnovsky
E
E
Laboratory of Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biophysics ASCR, Brno, Czech Republic. kejnovsk@ibp.cz
Hobza
R
R
Cermak
T
T
Kubat
Z
Z
Vyskot
B
B
D032461:Chromosomes, Plant / Q000235:genetics*; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D010944:Plants / Q000235:genetics*; D012091:Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid; D012730:Sex Chromosomes / Q000235:genetics