ATM controls seed germination

What is it about?

Here we find a new mechanism that influences seed longevity. Over time, seeds in the dry quiescent state accumulate damage which they are unable to repair. This includes DNA damage, which can cause mutations and affect growth and development of the plant once it has germinated. We have found that a protein called ATM plays a major role in delaying germination to allow time for the repair of DNA damage. This both regulates germination and ensures the viability of the young seedling, protecting the plant from severe chromosomal damage.

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Why is it important?

Seeds underpin food security, directly providing the majority of the calories consumed globally, and underpin agriculture through propagation of crops, nonfood products and animal feed. Successful germination is critical for both crop yields and natural ecosystems, and our findings identify that genome maintenance mechanisms play crucial roles in this early stage of the plant life cycle. Through regulating progression of germination and helping repair broken chromosomes,the key DNA damage sensor ATM ensures successful plant propagation. Uncovering the genetic factors which control germination is important for the prediction of germination performance in the field and the development of seeds with enhanced resistance to environmental stress.