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<p>Transmission ratio distortion (TRD), a deviation from Mendelian inheritance, has been observed in plants and influences genetic diversity and domestication. Over 35&#xa0;years, research has uncovered molecular mechanisms behind phenotypic variability in crops, a phenomenon that has inspired foundational geneticists such as Mendel and Darwin. Unlike animal domestication, which relies on polygenic traits, plants exhibit specific “domestication genes” which are critical for traits selected during cultivation (e.g., yield and stress tolerance). Environmental pollution drives microevolution in plants via genetic bottlenecks (in small populations), mutations that increase allelic diversity, and the selection of vulnerable genotypes. For example, in <i>Arabidopsis</i> thaliana, mutations in ~ 500,000–1000 genes cause embryonic lethality, while hundreds disrupt gametophyte survival. This implies that a significant portion of the plant’s 25,000 protein-coding genes is essential during the early haploid (gametophyte) or diploid stages. Challenges arise because mutants of these genes often die prematurely, limiting the study of their role in adult plants. This article highlights new tools that enable researchers to investigate the post-embryonic functions of genes with lethal alleles, advancing the understanding of plant development and resilience. These insights are vital for breeding strategies aimed at enhancing crop adaptability and addressing the genetic bottlenecks caused by environmental stressors.</p>

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Lethal genes in plants

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月9日

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  • Fatin H. Al-Dulaimi,
  • Laith M. J. Al-Shamma,
  • Mohammed A. H. Alnajjar

摘要

Transmission ratio distortion (TRD), a deviation from Mendelian inheritance, has been observed in plants and influences genetic diversity and domestication. Over 35 years, research has uncovered molecular mechanisms behind phenotypic variability in crops, a phenomenon that has inspired foundational geneticists such as Mendel and Darwin. Unlike animal domestication, which relies on polygenic traits, plants exhibit specific “domestication genes” which are critical for traits selected during cultivation (e.g., yield and stress tolerance). Environmental pollution drives microevolution in plants via genetic bottlenecks (in small populations), mutations that increase allelic diversity, and the selection of vulnerable genotypes. For example, in Arabidopsis thaliana, mutations in ~ 500,000–1000 genes cause embryonic lethality, while hundreds disrupt gametophyte survival. This implies that a significant portion of the plant’s 25,000 protein-coding genes is essential during the early haploid (gametophyte) or diploid stages. Challenges arise because mutants of these genes often die prematurely, limiting the study of their role in adult plants. This article highlights new tools that enable researchers to investigate the post-embryonic functions of genes with lethal alleles, advancing the understanding of plant development and resilience. These insights are vital for breeding strategies aimed at enhancing crop adaptability and addressing the genetic bottlenecks caused by environmental stressors.