genome-evolution
Genome evolution examines how plant genomes change in structure and size over time through processes such as gene duplication, polyploidy, and chromosomal rearrangement. This field is critical to plant science because it reveals the genetic mechanisms underlying plant adaptation, diversity, and domestication. By studying genome evolution, researchers can develop improved crop varieties, protect wild plant species, and understand how plants will adapt to environmental change.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-02-17
Ancient genome triplication in the Asteraceae family (daisies, sunflowers, asters) created three copies of the ancestral genome that evolved into modern Asteraceae species. Researchers identified 157 genes that retained all three copies and are involved in developing the family's distinctive flower structures, suggesting that this ancient duplication was key to their evolutionary success and diversity.
A paleohexaploidization event occurred ~50 million years ago, generating 48 genomic blocks (16 groups × 3 copies) from the ancestral Asteraceae genome
157 genes retained three copies across most Asteraceae species, with transcription factors and auxin-related genes significantly overrepresented in these triplets
Spatiotemporally differentiated expression of the 157 paleohexaploid paralogs is associated with development of floral capitula, a key morphological innovation of the family
