Heterosis, the phenomenon where hybrid plants outperform their genetically distinct parents, is a cornerstone of modern agriculture. This review by Hochholdinger and Yu explores the molecular mechanisms behind heterosis. The review traces the history of heterosis, from its early discovery in tobacco by Kölreuter to its widespread use in crops like maize and rice. It […]
The study by Bertran Garcia de Olalla et al. investigated the role of the APETALA2 (AP2) transcription factor in Arabidopsis, particularly its influence on the shoot apical meristem (SAM) during the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth. AP2 is essential for the rapid increase in SAM height and width, which is associated with changes in […]
Ferns are important and diverse land plants but are also known for their exceptionally large genomes. A new study by Ali et al. presents an extensive analysis of fern genomics through RNA-sequencing of 22 representative fern species. The study identified 18 whole-genome duplications across different fern lineages, contributing to their high chromosome numbers and species […]
In this study, Frangedakis et al. identified MYB-related transcription factors as critical regulators of chloroplast development in land plants. Focusing on the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha and the angiosperm Arabidopsis thaliana, the team discovered that mutations in some MYB-related genes lead to pale plant phenotypes with significantly smaller chloroplasts, indicating their pivotal role in chloroplast biogenesis. […]
Aptamers are single-stranded DNAs that fold into tertiary structures that bind specifically to various targets, allowing them to serve as probes or sensors. In this study, Chen et al. introduce a cutting-edge aptamer-based nanopore thin film sensor designed to detect salicylic acid (SA), an important compound involved in plant immunity and human health. Traditional methods […]
The global forest carbon sink is vital for mitigating climate change by absorbing CO2 and offsetting nearly half of fossil-fuel emissions. Over the past three decades, this sink has remained stable with minor fluctuations, but its future is threatened by deforestation, forest ageing, and climate change. Pan et al. conducted a comprehensive analysis using ground-based […]