Accumulation of transposable elements in selfing populations of Arabidopsis lyrata supports the ectopic recombination model of transposon evolution

摘要: Transposable elements (TE) can constitute a large fraction of plant genomes, yet our understanding their evolution and fitness effect is still limited. Here we tested several models that make specific predictions about differences in TE abundance between selfing outcrossing taxa, small populations. We estimated multiple populations North American Arabidopsis lyrata differing mating system long-term size, using transposon insertion display on families. Selfing had higher copy numbers per individual allele frequencies, supporting which assume selection against TEs acts predominantly heterozygotes via the process ectopic recombination. In data supported neither model density-regulated transposition nor direct deleterious effect. Instead, population structure revealed tended to split into western eastern groups - as previously detected microsatellite markers whereas from west east were less differentiated. This, too, agrees with Overall, results suggest are nearly neutral except for potential disturb meiosis heterozygous state.