If Mendel Was Using CRISPR: Genome Editing Meets Non‐Mendelian Inheritance

Abstract

AbstractOn July 20 this year, 200th anniversary of the birth of Gregor Mendel, an Augustinian monk who laid the foundations of genetics, is celebrated. His findings provided the stepping stone for rational crop improvement based on cross breeding and selection. While this approach contributed to the development of superior varieties, its potential is limited by genetic variability available within a species and its relatives. Even though physical and chemical mutagenesis enabled the induction of new genetic variability on a large scale, random mutagenesis did not allow targeting particular genome loci. This became feasible only after the development of genome editing tools in the beginning of the 21st century and the ability to precisely edit plant genomes opened a new era in plant research and crop breeding. Mendel probably did not consider a possibility of directly modifying genetic information and the advantages which genetic engineering can bring to society. However, the basic principles of inheritance he discovered are indispensable for any effort to develop improved varieties. In this review, recent advances in plant genome editing are summarized with emphasis on non‐Mendelian inheritance in the light of the need to produce more food for the growing human population.