Revista de filogenética y biología evolutiva

Exploring Variation in Telomere Length in Model Bryophytes: Insights and Implications

Abstract

Richard McCain

Telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, play a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability and regulating cellular aging. While much research has focused on telomere dynamics in higher plants and animals, the study of telomeres in model bryophytes presents a unique opportunity to explore the evolutionary and ecological significance of telomere variation in early-diverging land plants. This article reviews current knowledge on telomere length variation in model bryophytes, including mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, highlighting the factors influencing telomere length and its implications for plant biology and beyond.