中外科研团队揭示真菌染色体分配的全新机制

Core Viewpoint - The research conducted by a team from Sichuan University and the University of British Columbia reveals a new mechanism of chromosome distribution in fungi, challenging long-standing beliefs in genetics and cell biology [1][2]. Group 1: Research Findings - Accurate chromosome distribution during cell division is crucial for maintaining genetic stability and functional integrity in organisms [1]. - The classic theory states that each daughter cell should receive a complete set of haploid chromosomes, but the new findings indicate that in certain fungi, chromosomes are not always distributed symmetrically or evenly [1]. - The genome of the fungus Neurospora contains 16 chromosomes, and the research team found that each spore contains approximately 16 chromosomes instead of the expected 32 [1]. - Further DNA analysis confirmed that chromosomes in Neurospora are asymmetrically distributed among different nuclei without a clear distribution pattern [1]. Group 2: Broader Implications - This phenomenon of uneven chromosome distribution is also observed in closely related fungi, such as Botrytis cinerea, where spores contain an average of 4 to 6 nuclei, each with only 3 to 8 chromosomes instead of the complete 18 [2]. - The findings suggest that the mechanism of asymmetric chromosome distribution may be common among multicellular fungi [2]. - This research provides a new perspective for understanding the development of multicellular organisms and the mechanisms behind related diseases [3].