Tracing the evolutionary and genetic footprints of atmospheric tillandsioids transition from land to air.

Plant evolution is driven by key innovations of functional traits that enables their survivals in diverse ecological environments. However, plant adaptive evolution from land to atmospheric niches remains poorly understood. In this study, we use the epiphytic Tillandsioideae subfamily of Bromeliaceae as model plants to explore their origin, evolution and diversification.

Conserved amino acid residues and gene expression patterns associated with the substrate preferences of the competing enzymes FLS and DFR.

Background: Flavonoids, an important class of specialized metabolites, are synthesized from phenylalanine and present in almost all plant species. Different branches of flavonoid biosynthesis lead to products like flavones, flavonols, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins. Dihydroflavonols form the branching point towards the production of non-colored flavonols via flavonol synthase (FLS) and colored anthocyanins via dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR).

Genetic factors explaining anthocyanin pigmentation differences.

Background: Anthocyanins are important contributors to coloration across a wide phylogenetic range of plants. Biological functions of anthocyanins span from reproduction to protection against biotic and abiotic stressors. Owing to a clearly visible phenotype of mutants, the anthocyanin biosynthesis and its sophisticated regulation have been studied in numerous plant species.

Repeat turnover meets stable chromosomes: repetitive DNA sequences mark speciation and gene pool boundaries in sugar beet and wild beets.

Sugar beet and its wild relatives share a base chromosome number of nine and similar chromosome morphologies. Yet, interspecific breeding is impeded by chromosome and sequence divergence that is still not fully understood. Since repetitive DNAs are among the fastest evolving parts of the genome, we investigated, if repeatome innovations and losses are linked to chromosomal differentiation and speciation.