M1202_Plant_Evolution

Material

Lynn Margulis discusses the crazy idea that the nucleus is an endosymbiontic organism: Margulis et al. (2000)

A very important review on the evolution of host-pathogen interaction with the proposal of the so called zig-zag model: Jones and Dangl (2006)

Resveratrol - a very instructive page of the Schröder group (Freiburg)

1. Why do eukaryotes need a nucleus? Prokaryotes can do without a nucleus!

2. In contrast to other spermatophytes Ginkgo biloba harbours a gene for dynein. Can you explain, why?

3. Genetic diversity of Plasmopara viticola is highest in North America, lower in Europe, and lowest in Australia, where this pathogen was introduced 50 years ago from Europe. By which evolutionary effect can you explain this?

4. Chalcone Synthase is a key enzyme of the flavonoid pathway and therefore crucial for UV-tolerance. Stilbene synthase differs from Chalcone Synthase by one amino acid in the active center leading to the production of stilbenes such as resveratrol that have antimicrobial activity. Resveratrol is a key compound for the defence against biotrophic pathogens. Describe an evolutionary model that explains these facts. You have to go back to the second lecture (molecular base of macroevolution) and you have to think about the concept of preadaptation.

5. Biotrophic pathogens have evolved effectors to overcome PTI. Why did the more simple possibility that pathogens loose the PAMPs triggering PTI not evolve?