Abstract
Our DNA, the molecule that stores heritable information, consists of a four letter code; A, C, G and T. Text book genetics tell us that DNA can be mutated (e.g. letter A turns into letter G), and that such mutations can change the functions of genes. In plants, it is becoming increasingly clear that heritable alterations in gene function can also be acquired through so-called epigenetic changes. A well-known example of an epigenetic change is the gain or loss of DNA methylation, the chemical modification of a cytosine (the letter C in the DNA code) into 5-methylcytosine. A fundamental goal in plant biology is to assess how stable epigenetic changes are across generations and to which extent they affect observable traits (e.g. plant height).
In this thesis we performed extensive bioinformatic and statistical analyses of an experimental population of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The unique feature of this population is that all plants are nearly identical at the DNA level but show strong differences in DNA methylation patterns. We show that these patterns can be inherited for many generations, and affect important plants traits such as flowering time and root length. We also show that DNA methylation changes occur stochastically in natural populations, and at a rate far exceeding the known DNA mutation rate in this species.
The fact that DNA methylation changes affect observable plant traits that are transmitted across generations shows that heritable information extends beyond the four letters encoded in our DNA and opens up new questions regarding its role in plant evolution and its use in agricultural breeding programs.
In this thesis we performed extensive bioinformatic and statistical analyses of an experimental population of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The unique feature of this population is that all plants are nearly identical at the DNA level but show strong differences in DNA methylation patterns. We show that these patterns can be inherited for many generations, and affect important plants traits such as flowering time and root length. We also show that DNA methylation changes occur stochastically in natural populations, and at a rate far exceeding the known DNA mutation rate in this species.
The fact that DNA methylation changes affect observable plant traits that are transmitted across generations shows that heritable information extends beyond the four letters encoded in our DNA and opens up new questions regarding its role in plant evolution and its use in agricultural breeding programs.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 28-Nov-2016 |
Place of Publication | [Groningen] |
Publisher | |
Print ISBNs | 978-90-367-9414-5 |
Electronic ISBNs | 978-90-367-9413-8 |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |