The genomic ecosystem of transposable elements in maize (PLOS Genetics)
Plant Science Research WeeklyA new paper looking at transposable elements in maize uses the framework that genomes are similar to ecosystems, in that it is essential to study them comprehensively, from the level of each element to the global structure. Transposable elements (TEs) are dynamic and persistent within plant genomes.…
The evolutionary advantage of losing genes after endosymbiosis (Genome Biol)
Plant Science Research WeeklyThe emergence of eukaryotes is associated with endosymbiosis of mitochondria and chloroplast. In the course of evolution, most of the genes from these organelles have either migrated to the nucleus or been lost. But why have a small but significant number of genes remained in these organelle genomes?…
A "simple” plant that’s not so basic: 13 receptors perceive SL, KL, and more in moss
The Plant Cell: In a NutshellLopez-Obando et al. unravel the complex pathways for the perception of strigolactones and related compounds in the moss Physcomitrium patens.
By Ambre Guillory1, Mauricio Lopez-Obando2, Alexandre de Saint Germain3, and Sandrine Bonhomme3
1Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes Microbes Environnement…
Pollinators contribute to the maintenance of flowering plant diversity (Nature)
Plant Science Research WeeklyHow do small populations persist in spite of sharing space with much larger populations? Wei et al. explored this question in the context of plant-pollinator interactions. They observed that rarer species tend to attract more specialized pollinators, whereas more abundant species have more shared pollinators,…
Review: Evolutionary innovations driving abiotic stress tolerance in C4 grasses and cereals (Plant Cell)
Plant Science Research WeeklyGrasses fall into two clades, the more temperate BOP clade of C3 grasses (Bambusoideae, Oryzoideae, and Pooideae subfamilies), and the more tropical PACMAD clade of C3 and C4 grasses (Panicoideae, Arundinoideae, Chloridoideae, Micrairoideae, Aristidoideae, and Danthonioideae subfamilies). This review,…
SHOOT: Phylogenetic gene search and ortholog inference (bioRxiv)
Plant Science Research WeeklyBLAST (basic local alignment search tool) is more than 30 years old, and most readers have probably had the opportunity to BLAST a sequence. BLAST takes an input sequence and searches databases for closely related sequences. However, this tool uses only sequence information to find close matches. Hypothetically,…
Review: Convergent evolution of gene regulatory networks underlying plant adaptations (Plant Cell Environ.)
Plant Science Research WeeklyThe transition from aquatic to terrestrial habitats exposed plants to low water availability, high light, radiation, and other environmental challenges. To overcome these challenges, plants developed morpho-physiological adaptations to tolerate dry environments and make photosynthesis more efficient.…
Exploring the evolution of immunity responses in Brassicaceae
The Plant Cell: In a NutshellWinkelmüller, Entila, Anver et al. uncover the considerable variation in gene expression patterns in closely related Brassicaceae species during pattern triggered immunity. Plant Cell
By Thomas M. Winkelmüller, Frederickson D. Entila, Shajahan Anver, and Kenichi Tsuda
Background: Plants…
Focus Issue: Focus on the Biology of Plant Genomes (Plant Cell)
Plant Science Research WeeklyThe Plant Cell has published a Focus Issue on the Biology of Plant Genomes. This Focus Issue includes reviews and research articles that highlight some of the most important recent advances in plant genomics and foreshadow future discoveries. Although Arabidopsis is represented in this article collection…