Epigenetic mechanisms regulating seeds germination rate

SUMMARY. The changes in epigenetic polymorphism rate of wheat seedlings under radiation stimulation of seeds’ germination were investigated. The assessment of distributions within huge series of seeds according to their germination and polymorphism rate («distance» between DNA methylation patterns of «fast» and «slow» seedlings) of different wheat varieties was done. Association of increasing germination rate with decreasing yield of epigenetic polymorphism was indicated. The issue about the role of this decreasing as a factor which determines unstable productivity process under stimulation of germination is considered.

Keywords: seeds germination, DNA methylation patterns, epigenetic polymorphism