Mobile Genetic Elements and Abiotic Stress Tolerance
摘要
In the face of escalating climate change, crop plants are increasingly challenged by diverse abiotic stresses, threatening global food security. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) have emerged as critical players in shaping plant genomes and modulating stress responses. This chapter explores the multifaceted contributions of MGEs, including transposable elements and retrotransposons, to abiotic stress adaptation in crops. We discuss their mechanisms of transposition, their impact on genome structure and gene expression, and their role in generating genetic variation for stress-responsive traits. Through case studies, we examine specific MGEs activated under stress conditions, influencing gene regulation and epigenetic modifications. Furthermore, we highlight the potential of MGEs in epigenetic regulation, stress memory, and transgenerational inheritance of stress tolerance. Finally, we explore the application of MGEs as molecular tools for targeted genome editing and breeding stress-resilient crop varieties. By elucidating the dynamic role of MGEs in abiotic stress tolerance, this chapter aims to provide insights into their evolutionary and functional significance, ultimately contributing to the development of genetically resilient crops for sustainable agriculture.