Evolution of genome size and complexity in Pinus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Genome evolution in the gymnosperm lineage of seed plants has given rise to many of the most complex and largest plant genomes, however the elements involved are poorly understood.

Methodology/principal findings

Gymny is a previously undescribed retrotransposon family in Pinus that is related to Athila elements in Arabidopsis. Gymny elements are dispersed throughout the modern Pinus genome and occupy a physical space at least the size of the Arabidopsis thaliana genome. In contrast to previously described retroelements in Pinus, the Gymny family was amplified or introduced after the divergence of pine and spruce (Picea). If retrotransposon expansions are responsible for genome size differences within the Pinaceae, as they are in angiosperms, then they have yet to

SUBMITTER: Morse AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2633040 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature