| description |
Comparative transcriptome analysis (RNAseq) confirmed that B chromosomes of rye (Secale cereal) contribute to the transcriptome. In total, 1,954 and 1,218 B-derived transcripts with an open reading frame were expressed in generative and vegetative tissues, respectively. Beside B derived transposable element transcripts a high percentage of short transcripts without detectable similarity to known proteins and gene fragments from A chromosomes were found (41.2% and 54.4% in generative and vegetative tissue, respectively) suggesting an ongoing gene erosion process. 15.8% of the transcripts that derived from anthers and 20.3% that derived from vegetative tissues showed similarities with potential protein coding genes from the Bs. Thus, we conclude that rye B chromosomes carry functional genes and B- derived transcripts provide an additional layer of genetic complexity in combination with their related A-located genes. |