Evolution and Plasticity of Genome-Wide Meiotic Recombination Rates


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Date

2021-11

Publication Type

Journal Article

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yes

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Abstract

Sex, as well as meiotic recombination between homologous chromosomes, is nearly ubiquitous among eukaryotes. In those species that use it, recombination is important for chromosome segregation during gamete production, and thus for fertility. Strikingly, although in most species only one crossover event per chromosome is required to ensure proper segregation, recombination rates vary considerably above this minimum and show variation within and among species. However, whether this variation in recombination is adaptive or neutral and what might shape it remain unclear. Empirical studies and theory support the idea that recombination is generally beneficial but can also have costs. Here, we review variation in genome-wide recombination rates, explore what might cause this, and discuss what is known about its mechanistic basis. We end by discussing the environmental sensitivity of meiosis and recombination rates, how these features may relate to adaptation, and their implications for a broader understanding of recombination rate evolution.

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Publication status

published

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Volume

55 (1)

Pages / Article No.

23 - 43

Publisher

Annual Reviews

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Edition / version

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Subject

meiosis; evolution; recombination; crossover; recombination rate variation; plasticity

Organisational unit

09665 - Bomblies, Kirsten / Bomblies, Kirsten check_circle

Notes

Funding

681946 - Adaptive evolution of meiosis in response to genome and habitat change (EC)
192671 - Temperature and its links to recombination rate in Arabidopsis arenosa (SNF)

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