Epigenetics & Chromatin

Background: Recent research shows that epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, largely correspond to plant adaptation abilities and stress tolerance. Under conditions of drought stress, plants usually increase the level

of methylation of their DNA.

Aim: In our study we compared epigenetically two closely related grass species: Festuca amethystina and Festuca tatrae, signifi cantly diff ering in their geographical and altitude ranges and therefore also adaptation abilities. The aim of our studies was to check diff erences in their epigenetic response to drought stress. Th e research material was collected in 2018, from common garden experiment conducted in the lowland conditions of Central Poland in the

Experimental Garden of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection University of Lodz.

Material & Methods: Material was collected during favourable weather conditions for plant growth and during conditions characterised by water stress. Th e material was subjected to DNA isolation and then its methylation level

was measured by ELISA test.

Results: Th e obtained results allowed to state that in all taxa the DNA methylation level is higher during stress conditions; the highest level of DNA methylation is in Festuca amethystina plants collected from lower-montane and

lowland altitudes; medium-altitude mountain species Festuca tatrae has greater diff erences in DNA methylation level than high mountain specimens of F. amethystina, thus it is more epigenetically plastic in lowland conditions (and

more vital) during common garden experiment. F. tatrae also has a lower level of DNA methylation in favourable conditions, so it has more genes available transcriptionally (and can be more vital) than high-mountain specimens of F. amethystine; the strongest epigenetic reaction have specimens of Festuca amethystina collected from lower altitudes they are the most vital in garden experiment, where the conditions were the most similar to their natural

locations.