The role of repetitive DNA in structure and evolution of sex chromosomes in plants. Kejnovsky, E., Hobza, R., Cermak, T., Kubat, Z., & Vyskot, B. Heredity, 102(6):533-541, Nature Publishing Group, 2009.
The role of repetitive DNA in structure and evolution of sex chromosomes in plants [pdf]Paper  The role of repetitive DNA in structure and evolution of sex chromosomes in plants [link]Website  abstract   bibtex   
Eukaryotic genomes contain a large proportion of repetitive DNA sequences, mostly transposable elements (TEs) and tandem repeats. These repetitive sequences often colonize specific chromosomal (Y or W chromosomes, B chromosomes) or subchromosomal (telomeres, centromeres) niches. Sex chromosomes, especially non-recombining regions of the Y chromosome, are subject to different evolutionary forces compared with autosomes. In non-recombining regions of the Y chromosome repetitive DNA sequences are accumulated, representing a dominant and early process forming the Y chromosome, probably before genes start to degenerate. Here we review the occurrence and role of repetitive DNA in Y chromosome evolution in various species with a focus on dioecious plants. We also discuss the potential link between recombination and transposition in shaping genomes.

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