Plant B chromosomes
Mgr. Jan Bartoš, Ph.D. (Institute of Experimental Botany, CAS, Olomouc - Centre of Plant Structural & Functional Genomics)
The seminar takes place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 15:00 in the KFR/213 room, Viničná 5, 2nd floor. Guests are welcome!
Join us online: meet.google.com/qhf-etyu-sna
Abstract
B chromosomes are a fascinating class of genetic elements that differ from the standard A chromosomes. These extra chromosomes are not essential for survival, but can exhibit unique behaviours such as irregular inheritance patterns and structural diversity. In plants, more than 2000 species possess them, with the maize B chromosome being one of the best studied. It is known to have unusual transmission patterns and to influence recombination and expression of genes on the A chromosomes. The sorghum genus, a close relative of maize, also hosts B chromosomes with similar characteristics but with different mechanisms of inheritance. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have revolutionised our ability to study B chromosomes. These technologies, including long-read sequencing, have provided new insights into the molecular composition and genetic make-up of B chromosomes and have enabled a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution of B chromosomes. The reference sequences of many B chromosomes generated in recent years provide an essential framework for studying their extraordinary behaviour.
About the speaker
Dr. Jan Bartoš is a renowned scientist in the field of plant genomics. He heads the Centre of Plant Structural and Functional Genomics at the Institute of Experimental Botany in Olomouc. He graduated from the Faculty of Science of Palacký University in Olomouc, where he also received his Ph.D. in Biophysics. His research interests include genome analysis of economically important plants, physical mapping, sequencing, bioinformatics and the study of plant B chromosomes. In recent years, his research has significantly advanced the understanding of the structure, behaviour and inheritance of plant supernumerary chromosomes. In 2009, he was honoured the Otto Wichterle Award given by the Czech Academy of Sciences.