Cell：超越达尔文进化论，为拉马克“平反”，我国学者发现“获得性遗传”直接证据

Core Viewpoint - The research provides direct evidence supporting Lamarck's theory of "inheritance of acquired characteristics" by demonstrating that rice can inherit adaptive cold tolerance through DNA methylation without any changes in DNA sequence, challenging the traditional Darwinian framework of evolution [3][11]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study reveals that repeated exposure to cold stress during rice breeding can induce heritable cold tolerance [9]. - Cold-induced DNA demethylation of the ACT1 gene mediates the acquisition of cold tolerance [9][11]. - The research team confirmed that the ACT1 gene's promoter region has lower DNA methylation levels in cold-tolerant rice compared to non-cold-tolerant varieties, establishing a causal relationship between epigenetic changes and cold tolerance [7][11]. Group 2: Methodology and Results - The research involved exposing a cold-sensitive rice variety to -15°C for seven days before transferring it to a natural environment, leading to significant cold tolerance in subsequent generations [6][9]. - The study found that the cold-tolerant rice maintained its cold resistance over five generations, indicating a rapid adaptation process compared to traditional natural selection [6][9]. - Genomic sequencing showed no significant genetic differences related to cold tolerance, prompting the investigation into epigenetic variations [7][8]. Group 3: Implications for Agriculture - The findings suggest a new paradigm for understanding adaptive evolution, providing innovative solutions for crop breeding in response to global climate change [11][12]. - The research proposes a novel approach for crop breeding termed "adversity domestication - phenotypic screening - mutation identification - precise editing," aimed at enhancing crop resilience [11].