Work

Somatic genome‐doubling is the most parsimonious route to allopolyploidy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The origin of a polyploid can hinge on a single errant cell division, a mistake in the cell cycle that leads to genome-doubling and re-writes the rules of chromosome pairing and segregation. In plants, the evolutionary significance of these errors is magnified by lack of an early sequestered germline, meaning somatic mutations can be heritable. For sterile hybrids, somatic genome-doubling can be an immediate beneficial mutation, providing each chromosome with a homolog for pairing during meiosis, partially restoring fertility. This review examines evidence for the origin of polyploid hybrids, known as allopolyploids. While the involvement of unreduced gametes or triploid bridges remains plausible, both natural and synthetic allopolyploids indicate that somatic genome-doubling following hybridization is the most parsimonious route.

Source: New Phytologist

DOI: 10.1111/nph.71179

Authors: Robin Burns, Alison Dawn Scott, Polina Yu Novikova

Institutions: University of Cambridge, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Ghent University, VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology

Language: English

Topic: Chromosomal and Genetic Variations

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,790

Funder: HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council