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Hereditas(Beijing) ›› 2022, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (9): 772-782.doi: 10.16288/j.yczz.22-116

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Progress on molecular composition and genetic mechanism of plant B chromosomes

Dandan Wu1,2(), Mingkun Zhu1, Zhongyan Fang1, Wei Ma3()   

  1. 1. Triticeae Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
    2. State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
    3. Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
  • Received:2022-04-18 Revised:2022-07-29 Online:2022-09-20 Published:2022-08-17
  • Contact: Ma Wei E-mail:14646@sicau.edu.cn;weima03@jiangnan.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    Supported by the Youth Science Foundation of Jiangnan University(2050205)

Abstract:

In addition to the standard set of chromosomes (A chromosomes, As), so-called supernumerary B chromosomes (Bs) have been found causing a numerical chromosome variation. Bs have been considered to be genetically inert elements without any functional genes for a long period, because of the limited experimental methods and its dispensable property. More recently, sequencing of dissected Bs from several organisms has revealed the DNA composition, a vast number of protein-coding genes have been found with the effects on the transcripts and protein expression of the host. In this review, we summarize current understanding of B chromosomes carrying plants including rye (Secale cereale L.), maize (Zea mays L.) and Aegilops (Aegilops speltoides Tausch.), with the emphasis on Bs phenotypic effects, the inheritance mechanism of Bs, the molecular composition of Bs, the effects on host transcription regulation and protein expression upon the presence of Bs. Besides, we discuss the current study state and potential application of B chromosomes, aim to provide a new venue for chromosome engineering and breeding research.

Key words: B chromosomes, DNA composition, transcriptional regulation, protein-coding genes