On the Coevolution of Transposable Elements and Plant Genomes

• DOI: 10.1155/2011/893546
• Publication Date: 2011-11-24T21:02:54Z
• Authors: Peter Civáň; Miroslav Švec; Pavol Hauptvogel
• Keywords: Coevolution; Genome size

Plant genomes are unique in an intriguing feature: the range of their size variation is unprecedented among living organisms. Although polyploidization contributes to this variability, transposable elements (TEs) seem play pivotal role. TEs, often considered intragenomic parasites, not only affect genome host, but also interact with other genes, disrupting and creating new functions regulatory networks. Coevolution plant TEs has led tight regulation TE activity, growing evidence suggests relationship became mutualistic. expansions represent certain costs for host genomes, they may bring profits populations, helping overcome challenging environmental (biotic/abiotic stress) or genomic (hybridization allopolyploidization) conditions. In paper, we discuss possibility that possession inducible provide a selective advantage various populations.