Genetic and epigenetic acpects of sex determination

Abstract

The article concentrates on the latest knowledge concerning the role of epigenetic mechanisms in sex determination in model dioecious species Silene latifolia. Results suggest that the locus suppressing development of female organs in male plants is hypersensitive to the action of agents influencing level of DNA methylation (5-azacytidine) and histone acetylation (trichostatin A). According to the results obtained via inter-specific hybridisation and the ability of the smut Ustilago violacea to activate development of male organs in female plants, it can be deduced that there is a locus suppressing male organ development in standard female plants. Function of this locus is not influenced by the drugs mentioned above