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Background and Aims While variation in genome size and chromosome numbers and their consequences are often investigated in plants, the biological relevance of variation in chromosome size remains poorly known. Here, we examine genome and mean chromosome size in the cyperid clade (families Cyperaceae, Juncaceae, Thurniaceae), which is the largest vascular plant lineage with predominantly holocentric chromosomes. Methods We measured genome size in 436 species of cyprids using flow cytometry and augment this data with previously published datasets. We then separately compared genome and mean chromosome sizes (2C/2n) amongst the major lineages of cyperids and analyzed how these two genomic traits are associated with various environmental factors using phylogenetically-informed methods. Key Results We show that cyperids have the smallest mean chromosome sizes recorded in seed plants, with a large divergence between the smallest and largest values. We found that cyperid species with smaller chromosomes have larger geographical distributions and that there is a strong inverse association between mean chromosome size and number across this lineage. Conclusions The distinct patterns in genome size and mean chromosome size across the cyperids might be explained by holokinetic drive. The numerous small chromosomes might function to increase genetic diversity in this lineage where crossovers are limited during meiosis.
Background and Aims While variation in genome size and chromosome numbers and their consequences are often investigated in plants, the biological relevance of variation in chromosome size remains poorly known. Here, we examine genome and mean chromosome size in the cyperid clade (families Cyperaceae, Juncaceae, Thurniaceae), which is the largest vascular plant lineage with predominantly holocentric chromosomes. Methods We measured genome size in 436 species of cyprids using flow cytometry and augment this data with previously published datasets. We then separately compared genome and mean chromosome sizes (2C/2n) amongst the major lineages of cyperids and analyzed how these two genomic traits are associated with various environmental factors using phylogenetically-informed methods. Key Results We show that cyperids have the smallest mean chromosome sizes recorded in seed plants, with a large divergence between the smallest and largest values. We found that cyperid species with smaller chromosomes have larger geographical distributions and that there is a strong inverse association between mean chromosome size and number across this lineage. Conclusions The distinct patterns in genome size and mean chromosome size across the cyperids might be explained by holokinetic drive. The numerous small chromosomes might function to increase genetic diversity in this lineage where crossovers are limited during meiosis.
Eleocharis vivipara, an amphibious sedge in the Cyperaceae family, has several remarkable properties, most notably its alternate use of C3 photosynthesis underwater and C4 photosynthesis on land. However, the absence of genomic data has hindered its utility for evolutionary and genetic research. Here, we present a high‐quality genome for E. vivipara, representing the first chromosome‐level genome for the Eleocharis genus, with an approximate size of 965.22 Mb mainly distributed across 10 chromosomes. Its Hi–C pattern, chromosome clustering results, and one‐to‐one genome synteny across two subgroups indicates a tetraploid structure with chromosome count 2n = 4x = 20. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that E. vivipara diverged from Cyperus esculentus approximately 32.96 million years ago (Mya), and underwent a whole‐genome duplication (WGD) about 3.5 Mya. Numerous fusion and fission events were identified between the chromosomes of E. vivipara and its close relatives. We demonstrate that E. vivipara has holocentromeres, a chromosomal feature which can maintain the stability of such chromosomal rearrangements. Experimental transplantation and cross‐section studies showed its terrestrial culms developed C4 Kranz anatomy with increased number of chloroplasts in the bundle sheath (BS) cells. Gene expression and weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed overall elevated expression of core genes associated with the C4 pathway, and significant enrichment of genes related to modified culm anatomy and photosynthesis efficiency. We found evidence of mixed nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ‐ malic enzyme and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase type C4 photosynthesis in E. vivipara, and hypothesize that the evolution of C4 photosynthesis predates the WGD event. The mixed type is dominated by subgenome A and supplemented by subgenome B. Collectively, our findings not only shed light on the evolution of E. vivipara and karyotype within the Cyperaceae family, but also provide valuable insights into the transition between C3 and C4 photosynthesis, offering promising avenues for crop improvement and breeding.
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