biostudies-literatureUnknown112(3)Marques A<h4>Background and aims</h4>Supernumerary B chromosomes (Bs) represent a specific type of selfish genetic element. As Bs are dispensable for normal growth, it is expected to observe B polymorphisms among populations. To address whether Bs maintained in geographically distinct populations of cultivated and weedy rye are polymorphic, the distribution patterns and the transcriptional activity of different B-located repeats were analysed.<h4>Methods</h4>Bs of cultivated and weedy rye from seven origins were analysed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes specific for the pericentromeric and interstitial regions as well as the B-specific non-disjunction control region. The DNA replication, chromatin composition and transcription behaviour of the non-disjunction regions were deAnnals of botany527-34https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC3718213biostudies-literatureB chromosomes of rye are highly conserved and accompanied the development of early agriculture.PMC3718213Marques AKlemme SGuerra MNiwa KBlattner FRHouben ABanaei-Moghaddam AMfalseB chromosomes of rye are highly conserved and accompanied the development of early agriculture.<h4>Background and aims</h4>Supernumerary B chromosomes (Bs) represent a specific type of selfish genetic element. As Bs are dispensable for normal growth, it is expected to observe B polymorphisms among populations. To address whether Bs maintained in geographically distinct populations of cultivated and weedy rye are polymorphic, the distribution patterns and the transcriptional activity of different B-located repeats were analysed.<h4>Methods</h4>Bs of cultivated and weedy rye from seven origins were analysed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes specific for the pericentromeric and interstitial regions as well as the B-specific non-disjunction control region. The DNA replication, chromatin composition and transcription behaviour of the non-disjunction regions were de2013-01-01T00:00:00Z2013 Aug2026-07-15T11:26:39.198Z2019-03-27T01:13:26ZS-EPMC37182132373983610.1093/aob/mct121