Sou Tomimoto

Abstract A new study by Schmitt et al. revealed that somatic mutations in tropical trees are passed on to their offspring. Furthermore, the study noted that the majority of inherited mutations were present at low allelic frequencies within the tree.

Abstract Trees, living for centuries, accumulate somatic mutations in their growing trunks and branches, causing genetic divergence within a single tree. Stem cell lineages in a shoot apical meristem accumulate mutations independently and diverge from each other. In plants, somatic mutations can alter the genetic composition of reproductive organs and gametes, impacting future generations.