Centre for Plant Success Webinar Series: Maddie James

Maddie James

The role of chromosomal inversions during adaptation

To understand adaptation at the genetic level, researchers typically focus on variation in single nucleotide polymorphisms or gene expression. However, other aspects of the genome also impact how species evolve. Chromosomal inversions, segments of the DNA that are flipped in orientation, can arise within a genome and are known to play a major role during adaptation. For instance, chromosomal rearrangements can link together sets of advantageous alleles, which can facilitate adaptation in certain situations such as in the presence of gene flow. In this talk I will overview what chromosomal inversions are, methods to quantify them, their role during adaptation, how they can impact crop breeding programs, and some empirical evidence of their contribution to the divergent adaptation of Senecio ecotypes.

This event is open to Centre Members only. If you are a Centre Member who would like to attend, please contact admin@plantsuccess.org for the Zoom invitation.