Genomic imprinting in flowering plants: evolution of embryo ploidy

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K15882
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 45040:Ecology and environment-related
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: Iritani Ryosuke 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 数理創造プログラム, 研究員 (10843980)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 繁殖生態学 / 進化生物学 / ゲーム理論 / ゲノム対立

Outline of Final Research Achievements

One of the prominent characteristics of angiosperms (flowering plants) on Earth is their remarkable diversity. In addition to cross-pollination, where flowers exchange pollen, angiosperms exhibit two major features: (A) double fertilization, where two cells derived from the female gametophyte (embryo sac) fuse with two pollen-derived cells, and (B) genomic imprinting involving resource acquisition from the maternal plant observed in triploid endosperm. These features have the potential to be the driving force behind the diversity of angiosperms, which account for approximately 90% of all seed plants. Understanding the mechanisms of their evolution and maintenance contributes to a comprehensive understanding of plant diversity and improves cultivation efficiency in horticulture and agriculture. In this study, based on kin selection theory, we examined the evolutionary conditions of endosperm, which is one of the mysteries in plant reproductive ecology.

Free Research Field

数理生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

顕花植物はもっとも身近な生物のひとつである。庭、食卓、あるいは高山で触れる顕花植物の多様性には、目を瞠るばかりである。そうした顕花植物の進化を理解することは、基礎的な知見の蓄積だけでなく、農業効率の向上にもつながる。さらには、社会的な関心も高く、保全の対象になっている種も多く、社会的意義もある。