The detection, cloning, and characterisation of WIS 2-1A retrotransposon-like sequences in Triticum aestivum L. and x Triticosecale Wittmack and an examination of their evolution in related Triticeae

Retrotransposons and other mobile elements are major components of the repe ated DNA fraction in higher-plant genomes. They have undoubtedly played an important role in higher plant genome evolution. The present work details t he detection and characterisation of a WIS 2-1A related sequence in direct wheat relatives, and discusses the prevalence and evolution of its copy num ber in their genomes. An increase in copy number is detected when following the natural hybridisation processes that gave rise to bread and durum whea ts. However, the opposite is observed in the development of triticale, a sy nthetic hybrid.