The evolutionary origin of the angiosperms (flowering plants sensu stricto) is still enigmatic. Answers to the question of angiosperm origins are intimately connected to the identification of their sister group among extinct and extant taxa. Most phylogenetic analyses based on morphological data agree that among the groups of extant seed plants, the gnetophytes are the sister group of the angio...

Horizontal gene transfer is surprisingly common among plant mitochondrial genomes. The first well-established case involves a homing group I intron in the mitochondrial cox1 gene shown to have been frequently acquired via horizontal transfer in angiosperms. Here, we report extensive additional sampling of angiosperms, including 85 newly sequenced introns from 30 families. Analysis of all availa...

During the evolution, plants acquired ability to synthesize different phenylpropanoid compounds like chlorogenic acid (CGA), which plays vital roles in resistance mechanisms abiotic stresses. These environmental factors, including heavy metal, cold, heat, ultraviolet (UV) light, drought, and salinity affect plant physiological processes, resulting massive losses of agriculture production. As ev...

Non-native organisms have invaded novel ecosystems for centuries, yet we only a limited understanding of why their impacts vary widely from minor to severe. Predicting the impact non-established or newly detected species could help focus biosecurity measures on with highest potential cause widespread damage. However, predictive models require an drivers and appropriate level at which these shou...