300627 SE Plant Genome Evolution: Repetitive DNA (2021S)

This course offers the students the possibility to get acquainted with modern literature and recent views on repetitive DNA (tandem and dispersed repeat classes and families including mobile genetic elements). These types of DNAs constitute large fractions of plant genomes. The selected papers will focus on types of repetitive DNA, their abundance, variation, as well as hypotheses on their origin, factors stimulating their activity in the genome, mechanisms which enable their successful amplification, existence, and - last but not least - their evolution in the genomes of various organismal groups. Furthermore, the impact of repeats on genome restructuring on all levels of organization and evolution will be discussed, as well as their roles in the genome (selfish junk DNA vs. useful collaborator hypotheses). Students will be able to understand and appreciate different aspects of evolution and role of repetitive DNA in shaping plant genomes, especially in the forthcoming era of genomics. Special emphasis will be given on the application of next generation sequencing to analyze repetitive DNA of complex plant genomes, both diploid and polyploid.