Abstract

Sexual reproduction, the formation of a new individual from specialized reproductive cells after fertilization, involves the precise orchestration of different developmental and genomic processes. These processes are to a large extent governed by small RNAs (sRNAs) that either belong to the class of micro RNAs (miRNAs) or small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The latter are derived from transposable elements (TEs) and involved in genome defense and transgenerational inheritance of heterochromatin identity, ensuring genome stability. Remarkably, male and female gametophytes employ sRNAs to ensure reproductive success, but the underlying processes of their formation and action differ. Here, we review current advances in the field concerning the roles of sRNAs during flowering plant (angiosperm) reproduction and pinpoint where further research is required to solve open questions.

Published in

Current Opinion in Plant Biology
2017, Volume: 36, pages: 22-28
Publisher: CURRENT BIOLOGY LTD

SLU Authors

• Martinez-Arias, Germán

  • Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Köhler, Claudia

  • Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbi.2016.12.006

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/83505