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Project information
The influence of allopolyploidy on the evolution and expression of rDNA loci in plants (Evolution of rDNA)

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Project Identification
GA22-16826S
Project Period
4/2022 - 12/2024
Investor / Pogramme / Project type
Czech Science Foundation
  • Standard Projects
MU Faculty or unit
Central European Institute of Technology
Cooperating Organization
Institute of Biophysics
  • Responsible person RNDr. Aleš Kovařík, CSc.

Polyploidy (multiplication of chromosome sets) has long been a central focus in plant evolutionary biology (i.e. as a speciation mechanism), ecology (e.g. biological invasion) and agronomy (most important crops are recent polyploids). The ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) are essential components of every cell playing the pivotal role in cellular metabolism and genome stability. Despite considerable sequence conservation rDNA exhibits striking diversity in position on chromosomes and locus numbers. The biological significance of this diversity remains unresolved. Here we propose to study the genetic and epigenetic consequences of allopolyploidy (a process where polyploidy is preceded by interspecies hybridization) on rDNA loci in recently formed allopolyploids (including invasive species) and synthetic allopolyploid lines. We will analyse intergenomic chromosome breakpoints to assess the role of rDNA in chromosome stabilisation. We will also address the question of the relationship between rDNA multiplicity, intragenomic homogeneity and genome size in the evolution of land plants.

Sustainable Development Goals

Masaryk University is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to improve the conditions and quality of life on our planet by 2030.

Sustainable Development Goal No. 2 – Zero hunger

Publications

Total number of publications: 3

2024

2023

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