Nature and evolution of B chromosomes in plants: A non-coding but information-rich part of plant genomes

This work reviews recent advances providing insights on the origin and evolution of B chromosomes (Bs) in representative plant species. Brachyome dichromosomatica has large and micro Bs. Both carry an inactive ribosomal gene cluster. The large Bs contain the B-specific Bd49 family, mainly located at the centromere. Multiple copies are present in the A chromosomes (As) of related species, whereas only a few copies exist in B. dichromosomatica As. The micro Bs share sequences with the As, the large Bs and have the B-specific repeats Bdm29 and Bdm54. It seems that the large and micro Bs are related in origin. It is very unlikely that the Bs originated by simple excision from the As. Rye Bs are composed of sequences predominantly shared with the As. B-specific sequences are located at the heterochromatic end of the long arm. Probably, they originated from the As after many rearrangements, with a tendency for duplication. The E3900 family derives from a Ty3 gypsy retrotransposon, but the D1100 family shows no evidence of genic origin. The overall composition of maize As and Bs is similar suggesting a common origin. Several B-specific sequences have been found, the most studied being pZmBs, which is located at the B centromere. It shows partial homology to the centromere of chromosome 4 and to the knobs. It is not known whether the B centromere derives from centromere 4, or whether both have a more distant common origin. The dynamics of Bs in populations depends on their non-Mendelian mechanisms of transmission, their effects on carrier fitness and on A genes modulating their parasitic properties. Three representative examples are reviewed. The Bs of Allium schoenoprassum are transmitted at a mean lower than Mendelian and adversely affect vigour and fertility. However, there is a differential selection operating in favour of B-containing seedlings. Rye Bs undergo strong drive, which is counteracted by harmful effects on fertility and instabilities at meiosis. Both nondisjunction and meiotic behaviour, and consequently the establishment of B polymorphisms, mainly depend on the Bs themselves. B nondisjunction in maize is controlled by the B, but the As control preferential fertilisation. Considering the non-equilibrium model, the Bs of Allium seem to have been neutralised by the A genome, the As of maize provide defence against B attack, whereas the Bs of rye are only slightly neutralized. Copyright (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel.