Sex determination and sex chromosome evolution in land plants

• DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0210
• Publication Date: 2022-03-21T08:05:27Z
• Authors: Susanne S. Renner; Niels A. Müller
• Keywords: Theme (computing); Flowering plant

Linnaeus's very first opus, written when he was 22 years old, dealt with the analogy that exists between plants and animals in how they 'propagate their species', a revised version plate depicting union of male female Mercurialis annua became foundational text on sexuality plants. The question systems separate males females have evolved sedentary organisms appear ancestrally bisexual has fascinated biologists ever since. phenomenon, termed dioecy, important consequences for plant reproductive success is commercial interest since it affects seed quality fruit production. This theme issue presents series articles synthesize challenge current understanding achieve dioecy. deal broad set taxa, including Coccinia, Ginkgo, Mercurialis, Populus, Rumex Silene, as well overarching topics, such field's terminology, analogies animal sex determination systems, evolutionary pathways to dosage compensation, longevity two sexes. In this introduction, we focus four each addressed by several from different angles conclusions. Our highlighting unclear or controversial issues may help future studies build ask new questions will expand our knowledge sexual systems. article part 'Sex chromosome evolution land plants'.