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Meiotic restitution

Polyploidization repeatedly occurred in the history of higher plant evolution, creating a basis for genetic diversification and speciation. Different mechanisms can contribute to the formation of polyploid species, and production and fusion of unreduced gametes are considered the main causes. Both pre- and postmeiotic genome duplication events, as well as meiotic restitution that is a non-reductional meiotic cell division event, can lead to unreduced gamete formation. Generally, meiotic restitution can be induced via three routes: omission of meiotic cell cycle, alteration in spindle organization, and defective meiotic cytokinesis. We have particular interests in the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying meiotic restitution in plants, and their potential to be exploited in breeding programs.