Published December 2025 | Version v1
Book chapter Restricted

EXPLORING GENE EXPRESSION PATTERNS DURING SEED DEVELOPMENT AND MATURATION

  • 1. Dept. of Agriculture, JBIT College of Applied Sciences, Dehradun
  • 2. Dept. of Seed Science and Technology, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand
  • 3. College of Forestry, V.C. S.G. UUHF Bharsar
  • 4. ept. of Seed Science and Technology, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Description

Seed development and maturation are tightly regulated processes governed by 
complex gene expression networks controlling cellular differentiation, nutrient deposition, 
desiccation tolerance, and dormancy. This chapter synthesizes current knowledge on 
transcriptional dynamics from embryogenesis to the fully matured seed, highlighting the 
roles of key transcription factors such as Leafy Cotyledon (LEC), Abscisic Acid 
Insensitive (ABI), and Fusca (FUS). The modulatory effects of plant hormones—
 including abscisic acid, gibberellins, and auxins—are discussed in the context of seed 
filling and maturation. Advances in transcriptomic tools, particularly RNA sequencing 
(RNA-seq), have facilitated high-resolution, stage- and tissue-specific profiling, revealing 
novel genes and networks involved in storage protein synthesis, lipid biosynthesis, and 
protective mechanisms. Epigenetic regulation, through DNA methylation and histone 
modifications, adds further refinement to developmental control. Environmental factors 
and maternal influences are examined for their impact on gene activity and seed 
phenotype. Understanding these regulatory frameworks offers practical avenues for crop 
improvement, targeting enhanced nutritional quality, stress resilience, and storage 
longevity. Future integration of genomics with proteomics and metabolomics holds 
promise for unraveling the molecular complexities of seed biology and advancing 
sustainable agriculture. 

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