ISSN:
0192-253X
Keywords:
Suppressor-mutator
;
Spm
;
Maize
;
Transposable elements
;
Developmental regulation
;
Methylation
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Genetics
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Genetic inactivation of the Suppressor-mutator (Spm) element is correlated with methylation of sequences surrounding the element's transcription initiation site. Several stages in the development of the plant have been identified during which element methylation is reproducibly altered. Loss of element methylation occurs during development of the embryo and early in vegetative growth of the tiller. Element methylation increases during vegetative growth and during development of male and female inflorescences. The susceptibility of element methylation to change during development correlates with the genetic stability of the element's phase of activity. Increases in methylation of sites both upstream and downstream of the Spm element's transcription initiation site parallel increases in the genetic stability of the inactive phase. These results strengthen the likelihood that methylation of C residues within specific regions of the element is important in maintaining the element in an inactive phase and is a component of the molecular mechanism that regulates element expression in plant development.
Additional Material:
7 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/dvg.1020100604
