ROS-dependent DNA damage and repair during germination of NaCl primed seeds.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during rehydration of seeds is a major source of cellular damage. Successful germination depends on maintaining the oxidative window and ability of the cells to repair the DNA damage accumulated during seed developmental process, maturational drying, and germination. We explored the role of DNA damage, repair, cell cycle progression and antioxidant machinery in germination of seeds of Solanum melongena L.

DNA demethylation overcomes attenuation of colchicine biosynthesis in an endophytic fungus Diaporthe.

Fungal endophytes, a major component of the plant host microbiome, are known to synthesize plant-derived metabolites in vitro. However, attenuation of metabolite production upon repeated sub-culturing is a major drawback towards utilizing them as an alternative for plant-derived metabolites. In this study, we isolated Diaporthe perseae, a fungal endophyte from Gloriosa superba tubers, which showed the production of colchicine in axenic cultures.