Genetics. Published Articles Ahead of Print: June 14, 2005, Copyright © 2005
doi:10.1534/genetics.105.043273


A more recent version of this article appeared on September 1, 2005.


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Molecular evidence for transcription of genes on a B chromosome in Crepis capillaris

1 The University of Adelaide
2 IPK, Gaterleben

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jeremy.timmis{at}adelaide.edu.au.

Submitted on March 14, 2005
Revised on April 8, 2005
Accepted on 1 May 2005


Abstract

Dispensable, supernumerary (B) chromosomes are found in diverse eukaryotic species. The origin and genetic consequences of B chromosomes have been the subjects of speculation for more than a century. Until now, there has been no molecular evidence that B chromosome DNA is transcribed and there is no unequivocal evidence as to their origin. They are considered to be genetically inert though they appear to show a variety of phenotypic effects. We report that members of one of two ribosomal RNA gene families that are confined to the B chromosomes of a plant, Crepis capillaris, are transcribed - thus providing the first molecular evidence of gene activity on B chromosomes. Sequence analysis of A and B chromosome rDNA, together with comparisons with related species, indicates that the B chromosome rDNA originates from the A chromosome.

Key Words: B chromosomes, Crepis capillaris, concerted evolution, ribosomal RNA genes, transcription




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