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Epigenetics encompasses all changes in gene expression that occur without alterations to the DNA sequence. These modifications involve DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNA pathways. Plants have evolved remarkable resilience to environmental challenges mediated by epigenetic modifications rather than genetic variation. Epigenetic variation provides a means for designing crop varieties with enhanced resilience to abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. By understanding how epigenetic information systems interact among them and with other canonical genetic pathways, we can develop crops better equipped to withstand the challenges of climate change, ultimately contributing to global food security. Epigenetics in Crop Improvement: Safeguarding Food Security in an Ever-Changing Climate is primarily a comprehensive guide that explores the role of epigenetics in plant growth, development, and adaptation. This book also offers a valuable resource for anyone looking to investigate and develop innovative strategies for enhancing crop resilience and productivity in the face of climate change.
List of contents
Part I: Introduction.- Chapter 1: Epigenetics and its Role in Plant Evolution.- Part II: Epigenetic Mechanisms: Rethinking Soft Inheritance.- Chapter 2: DNA Methylation, Histone Modifications, and Non-coding RNA Pathways.- Chapter 3: The Role of Epigenetic Variation in Plant Adaptation.- Chapter 4: Heritable Epigenetic Phenomena.- Part III: Epigenetic Regulation as Mediator of Complex Genetic-Environment Interactions.- Chapter 5: The RNA Interference Pathway.- Chapter 6: The Role of Transposable Elements.- Chapter 7: RNA Modifications and Epitranscriptomics.- Chapter 8: Seed Dormancy and Germination as Models for Understanding Epigenetic Programming.- Part IV: Epigenetics: A Fast and Versatile Response to Climate Change.- Chapter 9: Epigenetic Mechanisms and Stress Tolerance in a Climate Change Scenario.- Chapter 10: Epimutations and Metastable Epialleles: Exploring a Mine of Hidden Variation in Crops.- Glossary.- Index.
