Piece and parcel of gymnosperm organellar genomes
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2024
Abstract
Main conclusionSignificant past, present, and potential future research into the organellar (plastid and mitochondrial) genomes of gymnosperms that can provide insight into the unknown origin and evolution of plants is highlighted.AbstractGymnosperms are vascular seed plants that predominated the ancient world before their sister clade, angiosperms, took over during the Late Cretaceous. The divergence of gymnosperms and angiosperms took place around 300 Mya, with the latter evolving into the diverse group of flowering plants that dominate the plant kingdom today. Although gymnosperms have reportedly made some evolutionary innovations, the literature on their genome advances, particularly their organellar (plastid and mitochondrial) genomes, is relatively scattered and fragmented. While organellar genomes can shed light on plant origin and evolution, they are frequently overlooked, due in part to their limited contribution to gene expression and lack of evolutionary dynamics when compared to nuclear genomes. A better understanding of gymnosperm organellar genomes is critical because they reveal genetic changes that have contributed to their unique adaptations and ecological success, potentially aiding in plant survival, enhancement, and biodiversity conservation in the face of climate change. This review reveals significant information and gaps in the existing knowledge base of organellar genomes in gymnosperms, as well as the challenges and research needed to unravel their complexity.
Keywords
Evolution, Mitochondrial genome, Non-flowering plants, Plastid genome
Divisions
InstituteofBiologicalSciences,cebar
Funders
Universiti Malaya (ST011-2022),SATU Joint Research Scheme (UMREG026-2023),Universiti Malaya Research Excellence Grant
Publication Title
Planta
Volume
260
Issue
1
Publisher
Springer
Publisher Location
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA, SUITE 4600, NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES