Evolution, Composition and Regulation of Supernumerary B Chromosomes

• Format: eBook
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 2019
• Subjects: Biology, life sciences; ?s; additional chromosomes; Apodemus peninsulae; B chromosome; B chromosomes; B morphotypes; centromere; chromosome evolution; chromosome polymorphism; controlling element; coverage ratio analysis; cytogenetics; de novo centromere formation; DNA composition; DNA copy number variation; dot-like (micro) Bs; drive; Drosophila; epigenetics; euchromatin degradation; evolution; extra chromosomes; FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridisation); fluorescent in situ hybridization; genes; genome evolution; genome instability; genomics; GISH (genomic in situ hybridisation); grasshoppers; heterochromatin; host/parasite interaction; inactivation; interphase nucleus; karyotype evolution; karyotypes; karyotypic characteristics; maize B chromosome; mammals; maternal X chromosome; microdissected DNA probes; mobile element; n/a; next-generation sequencing; organelle DNA; origin; Orthoptera; parent-of-origin effects; paternal X chromosome; population analysis; Prospero autumnale complex; reactivation; repeat clusters; RepeatExplorer; repetitive DNA; repetitive elements; ribosomal DNA; RNA-Seq; satellite DNA; sSMC; supernumerary; supernumerary chromosomal segments (SCS) evolution; supernumerary chromosome; supernumerary chromosomes; supernumerary elements; tandem repeats; teleost; transcription of heterochromatin; transmission; whole genome resequencing
• Online Access: Open Access: DOAB: description of the publication; Open Access: DOAB, download the publication

 Supernumerary B chromosomes (Bs) are dispensable genetic elements found in thousands of species of plants and animals, and some fungi. Since their discovery more than a century ago, they have been a source of puzzlement, as they only occur in some members of a population and are absent from others. When they do occur, they are often harmful, and in the absence of "selfishness", based on mechanisms of mitotic and meiotic drive, there appears to be no obvious reason for their existence. Cytogeneticists have long wrestled with questions about the biological existence of these enigmatic elements, including their lack of any adaptive properties, apparent absence of functional genes, their origin, sequence organization, and co-evolution as nuclear parasites. Emerging new technologies are now enabling researchers to step up a gear, to look enthusiastically beyond the previous limits of the horizon, and to uncover the secrets of these "silent" chromosomes. This book provides a comprehensive guide to theoretical advancements in the field of B chromosome research in both animal and plant systems.