Dynamic Evolution of Ribosomal RNA Genes in Asteraceae
Author Information
Author(s): Garcia Sonia, Panero José L, Siroky Jiri, Kovarik Ales
Primary Institution: Institut Botànic de Barcelona (CSIC-ICUB)
Hypothesis
The integration of 5S rRNA genes within the 35S unit might have repeatedly occurred during plant evolution, particularly in the Asteraceae family.
Conclusion
Nearly 25% of Asteraceae species may have evolved an unusual linked arrangement of rRNA genes, indicating significant genomic changes can occur in a relatively short evolutionary time.
Supporting Evidence
- Linked rDNA genotype was found in three large groups within the subfamily Asteroideae.
- Low copy linked genes were identified among several species that amplified unlinked units.
- Functional 5S insertions were conserved downstream from the 26S gene, suggesting a unique integration event.
Takeaway
Some plants in the Asteraceae family have their rRNA genes linked together, which is unusual and shows how plants can change quickly over time.
Methodology
The study analyzed the structure, gene copy number, and chromosomal position of 5S and 35S rRNA genes using PCR, Southern blot, sequencing, and FISH across ~200 species.
Limitations
The study may not cover all species within the Asteraceae family, and the detection limits of FISH may have excluded some linked arrangements.
Participant Demographics
The study included 199 populations from various species within the Asteraceae family, representing different subfamilies and tribes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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