Effect of hyaluronic acid-stabilized silver nanoparticles on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seed germination.

Nanotechnology has brought significant advancements to agriculture through the development of engineered nanomaterials (ENPs). Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) capped with polysaccharides have been applied in agricultural diagnostics, crop pest management, and seed priming. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural polysaccharide with bactericidal properties, has been considered a growth regulator for plant tissues and an inducer of systemic resistance against plant diseases. Additionally, HA has been employed as a stabilizing agent for AgNPs. This study investigated the synthesis and effects of hyaluronic acid-stabilized silver nanoparticles (HA-AgNPs) as a seed priming agent on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seed germination. HA-AgNPs were characterized using several techniques, exhibiting spherical morphology and good colloidal stability. Germination assays conducted with 0.1, 0.04, and 0.02 g/L of HA-AgNPs showed a concentration-dependent reduction in seed germination. Conversely, lower concentrations of HA-AgNPs significantly increased germination rates, survival, tolerance indices, and seed water absorption compared to silver ions (Ag+). SEM/EDS indicated more significant potential for HA-AgNPs internalization compared to Ag+. Therefore, these findings are innovative and open new avenues for understanding the impact of Ag+ and HA-AgNPs on seed germination.

Andean Crops Germination: Changes in the Nutritional Profile, Physical and Sensory Characteristics. A Review.

Andean crops such as quinoa, amaranth, cañihua, beans, maize, and tarwi have gained interest in recent years for being gluten-free and their high nutritional values; they have high protein content with a well-balanced essential amino acids profile, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, and antioxidant compounds. During the germination bioprocess, the seed metabolism is reactivated resulting in the catabolism and degradation of macronutrients and some anti-nutritional compounds. Therefore, germination is frequently used to improve nutritional quality, protein digestibility, and availability of certain minerals and vitamins; furthermore, in specific cases, biosynthesis of new bioactive compounds could occur through the activation of secondary metabolic pathways. These changes could alter the technological and sensory properties, such as the hardness, consistency and viscosity of the formulations prepared with them. In addition, the flavor profile may undergo improvement or alteration, a critical factor to consider when integrating sprouted grains into food formulations. This review summarizes recent research on the nutritional, technological, functional, and sensory changes occur during the germination of Andean grains and analyze their potential applications in various food products.

Arabidopsis DNA glycosylase MBD4L improves recovery of aged seeds.

DNA glycosylases initiate the base excision repair (BER) pathway by catalyzing the removal of damaged or mismatched bases from DNA. The Arabidopsis DNA glycosylase methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 4 like (MBD4L) is a nuclear enzyme triggering BER in response to the genotoxic agents 5-fluorouracil and 5-bromouracil. To date, the involvement of MBD4L in plant physiological processes has not been analyzed. To address this, we studied the enzyme functions in seeds. We found that imbibition induced the MBD4L gene expression by generating two alternative transcripts, MBD4L.3 and MBD4L.4. Gene activation was stronger in aged than in non-aged seeds. Seeds from mbd4l-1 mutants displayed germination failures when maintained under control or ageing conditions, while 35S:MBD4L.3/mbd4l-1 and 35S:MBD4L.4/mbd4l-1 seeds reversed these phenotypes. Seed nuclear DNA repair, assessed by comet assays, was exacerbated in an MBD4L-dependent manner at 24 h post-imbibition. Under this condition, the BER genes ARP, APE1L, and LIG1 showed higher expression in 35S:MBD4L.3/mbd4l-1 and 35S:MBD4L.4/mbd4l-1 than in mbd4l-1 seeds, suggesting that these components could coordinate with MBD4L to repair damaged DNA bases in seeds. Interestingly, the ATM, ATR, BRCA1, RAD51, and WEE1 genes associated with the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway were activated in mbd4l-1, but not in 35S:MBD4L.3/mbd4l-1 or 35S:MBD4L.4/mbd4l-1 seeds. These results indicate that MBD4L is a key enzyme of a BER cascade that operates during seed imbibition, whose deficiency would cause genomic damage detected by DDR, generating a delay or reduction in germination.

Diet and seed dispersal of bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) in Brasilia National Park.

The dietary ecology of a species can provide information on habitat requirements, food resources, and trophic interactions, important to guide conservation efforts of wildlife populations in endangered habitats. In this study, we investigated the dietary ecology of bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) in Brasilia National Park, in the endangered Cerrado biome of central Brazil. To obtain diet composition and evaluate the role of these primates as seed dispersers of local tree species, fecal sample collections and feeding observations were performed for a 7-month period. To determine whether seeds germinated better after passing through a primate gut, we conducted germination trials with (i) pulped seeds from trees, (ii) depulped seeds from trees, (iii) seeds from feces planted with feces, and (iv) seeds from feces planted without feces. During experimental procedures, 7308 seeds from 8 families and 10 species were planted. We found that S. libidinosus spent more time feeding on fruits than on any other food item and the diet consisted of 33 plant species from 21 families. However, 20% of their diet consisted of anthropic food. Most seeds planted with feces germinated faster compared to seeds in other experimental treatments, suggesting that passing through the gut and being deposited with fecal material is advantageous. The bearded capuchins also defecated many medium- (5 species) and large-sized (2 species) seeds that may be inaccessible to smaller arboreal frugivores. The results obtained emphasize the important role of bearded capuchins as seed dispersers for the maintenance and conservation of the endangered Cerrado biome.

Role of cell wall polysaccharides in water distribution during seed imbibition of Hymenaea courbaril L.

Seed water imbibition is critical to seedling establishment in tropical forests. The seeds of the neotropical tree Hymenaea courbaril have no oil reserves and have been used as a model to study storage cell wall polysaccharide (xyloglucan - XyG) mobilization. We studied pathways of water imbibition in Hymenaea seeds. To understand seed features, we performed carbohydrate analysis and scanning electron microscopy. We found that the seed coat comprises a palisade of lignified cells, below which are several cell layers with cell walls rich in pectin. The cotyledons are composed mainly of storage XyG. From a single point of scarification on the seed surface, we followed water imbibition pathways in the entire seed using fluorescent dye and NMRi spectroscopy. We constructed composites of cellulose with Hymenaea pectin or XyG. In vitro experiments demonstrated cell wall polymer capacity to imbibe water, with XyG imbibition much slower than the pectin-rich layer of the seed coat. We found that water rapidly crosses the lignified layer and reaches the pectin-rich palisade layer so that water rapidly surrounds the whole seed. Water travels very slowly in cotyledons (most of the seed mass) because it is imbibed in the XyG-rich storage walls. However, there are channels among the cotyledon cells through which water travels rapidly, so the primary cell walls containing pectins will retain water around each storage cell. The different seed tissue dynamic interactions between water and wall polysaccharides (pectins and XyG) are essential to determining water distribution and preparing the seed for germination.

Flavonoids and their relationship with the physiological quality of seeds from different soybean genotypes.

Flavonoids are compounds that result from the secondary metabolism of plants and play a crucial role in plant development and mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses. The highest levels of flavonoids are found in legumes such as soybean. Breeding programs aim to increase desirable traits, such as higher flavonoid contents and vigorous seeds. Soybeans are one of the richest sources of protein in the plant kingdom and the main source of flavonoid derivatives for human health. In view of this, the hypothesis of this study is based on the possibility that the concentration of isoflavones in soybean seeds contributes to the physiological quality of the seeds. The aim of this study was to analyze the content of flavonoids in soybean genotypes and their influence on the physiological quality of the seeds. Seeds from thirty-two soybean genotypes were obtained by carrying out a field experiment during the 2021/22 crop season. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications and thirty-two F3 soybean populations. The seeds obtained were subjected to germination, first germination counting, electrical conductivity and tetrazolium vigor and viability tests. After drying and milling the material from each genotype, liquid chromatography analysis was carried out to obtain flavonoids, performed at UPLC level. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and, when significant, the means were compared using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. The results found here show the occurrence of genotypes with higher amounts of flavonoids when compared to their peers. The flavonoid FLVD_G2 had the highest concentration and differed from the others. Thus, we can assume that the type and concentration of flavonoids does not influence the physiological quality of seeds from different soybean genotypes, but it does indirectly contribute to viability and vigor, since the genotypes with the highest FLVD_G2 levels had better FGC values. The findings indicate that there is a difference between the content of flavonoids in soybean genotypes, with a higher content of genistein. The content of flavonoids does not influence the physiological quality of seeds, but contributes to increasing viability and vigor.

Effect of Light Quality on the seed Germination and Development of Coffee Seedlings (Coffea arabica).

Coffee (Coffea arabica) cultivation is vital to the global economic, social and cultural life of farmers. However, senescent and disease-susceptible plantations affect coffee productivity. Therefore, it is crucial to improve biotechnological strategies such as micropropagation to increase the number of plants for replanting. In this study, the dark condition (T1) and different light qualities (T0-white light 400-700 nm; T2-red light 660 nm and T3-blue light 460 nm) were evaluated to optimize the in vitro propagation of 4 and 9 month-old coffee seeds. The results showed that red light had the highest percentage, an outstanding germination rate index, which may suggest that in the case of coffee seeds could be involved phytochromes that promote germination in a red light quality. In summary, the ideal conditions for in vitro micropropagation of coffee are under white and red light condition.

Antifungal effect and some properties of cell-free supernatants of two Bacillus subtilis isolates against Fusarium verticillioides.

Fusarium verticillioides causes significant decrease in corn yield and quality, and produces fumonisins, which represent a serious risk to human and animal health. Bacillus species can be an effective and environmentally friendly alternative for F. verticillioides biological control. In this study, some properties of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of two Bacillus spp. identified as Bacillus subtilis (NT1, NT2) as well as the antifungal effect against F. verticillioides 97L were evaluated. B. subtilis NT1 and NT2 were isolated from commercially available fermented whole soybeans (Natto). Antifungal activity was observed in both CFSs of B. subtilis isolates (50-59 mm) obtained by co-culture suggesting that antifungal compound production depends on interaction between bacteria and fungi. Cell-free supernatants from the two B. subtilis isolates inhibited mycelial growth (77%-94%) and conidial germination (22%-74%) of F. verticillioides 97L. In addition, CFSs caused significant morphological changes such as distorted and collapsed hyphae with wrinkled surfaces and the presence of a large amount of extracellular material compared to the control without CFSs. Both B. subtilis isolates (NT1 and NT2) produced extracellular proteases, biosurfactants and polar low molecular weight compounds that probably act synergistically and may contribute to the antifungal activity. Antifungal compounds showed heat and pH stability and resistance to proteolytic enzymes. Furthermore, antifungal compounds showed high polarity, high affinity to water and a molecular weight less than 10 kDa. These results indicated that the two B. subtilis (NT1 and NT2) have potential as biocontrol agents for F. verticillioides.

Short-term fire exclusion affects germination and seed traits in tropical savannas.

In fire-prone ecosystems, plant traits are influenced by the fire regime, thus reproduction and establishment can be altered by this disturbance. Changes in fire frequency and history can therefore influence seed and germination traits. We investigated the effects of short-term fire exclusion on seed and germination traits of species from tropical open savannas. Seeds from 27 species were collected from two areas with distinct fire histories: recently and frequently burned (RB) or unburned for 5 to 7 years (E). Seeds from both areas underwent germination trials under optimal conditions for 30 days. Also, 10 species were exposed to high temperature treatments (100 or 200 °C) and seed and germination traits measured. Comparisons were then made for each trait, analysing each species separately, between the two areas. Approximately 85% of species studied had at least one of their germination traits altered in the RB area compared to the E area. Clear differences included lower viability and faster germination in seeds from RB areas. Seed traits of 70% of measured species differed between the two areas. Our results show species-specific trait response to different fire histories. For example, faster germination and lower viability of seeds from RB plots suggest selection for faster maturing individuals and differences in resourcing, respectively, under a regime of frequent fire. This study provides insights into fire effects on regeneration responses of tropical savanna species and also points to the need for more studies evaluating the effects of fire history on seed traits.

Is pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) a good plant species for ecotoxicological tests?

Various plant species can be selected for environmental testing, including pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br), a globally significant cereal crop. This study aims to assess millet's suitability as a species for ecotoxicological tests, examining (1) germination and initial development dynamics, (2) the minimum seed quantity for reliable sampling, (3) optimal experimental design with replication numbers, (4) suitability of positive control, and (5) the effectiveness of the protocol in evaluating toxic effects of environmental pollutants. Millet exhibited rapid and uniform germination as well as consistent initial seedling development. To establish the minimum number of seeds required for reliable experimentation, germination, and seedling growth were compared across plots containing 10, 25, and 50 seeds. Consequently, 10 seeds per plot were chosen for subsequent experiments to reduce labor and costs while maintaining reliability. To validate the selected experimental design, and to establish a positive control for assays, aluminum was used as a toxic element at concentrations ranging from 10-2 to 10-6 M. While aluminum did not affect the final percentage of germinated seeds, it did exhibit an impact on the Germination Speed Index (GSI). Significant differences in root and aerial growth, and with fresh weight, were observed. The 10-3M concentration was chosen as the positive control as the 10-2 concentration showed extreme toxicity. To assess the applicability of the established protocol in determining the toxic effects of environmental pollutants, millet roots were exposed to the toxic agents atrazine, cadmium, methyl methane sulfonate (MMS), and Spent pot liner (SPL). Millet demonstrated sensitivity and efficiency in response to these tests. In conclusion, millet proves to be an effective species for the toxicological risk assessment of environmental pollutants.

Arabidopsis pollen prolyl-hydroxylases P4H4/6 are relevant for correct hydroxylation and secretion of LRX11 in pollen tubes.

Major constituents of the plant cell walls are structural proteins that belong to the hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP) family. Leucine-rich repeat extensin (LRX) proteins contain a leucine-rich domain and a C-terminal domain with repetitive Ser-Pro3-5 motifs that are potentially to be O-glycosylated. It has been demonstrated that pollen-specific LRX8-LRX11 from Arabidopsis thaliana are necessary to maintain the integrity of the pollen tube cell wall during polarized growth. In HRGPs, including classical extensins (EXTs), and probably in LRXs, proline residues are converted to hydroxyproline by prolyl-4-hydroxylases (P4Hs), thus defining novel O-glycosylation sites. In this context, we aimed to determine whether hydroxylation and subsequent O-glycosylation of Arabidopsis pollen LRXs are necessary for their proper function and cell wall localization in pollen tubes. We hypothesized that pollen-expressed P4H4 and P4H6 catalyze the hydroxylation of the proline units present in Ser-Pro3-5 motifs of LRX8-LRX11. Here, we show that the p4h4-1 p4h6-1 double mutant exhibits a reduction in pollen germination rates and a slight reduction in pollen tube length. Pollen germination is also inhibited by P4H inhibitors, suggesting that prolyl hydroxylation is required for pollen tube development. Plants expressing pLRX11::LRX11-GFP in the p4h4-1 p4h6-1 background show partial re-localization of LRX11-green fluorescent protein (GFP) from the pollen tube tip apoplast to the cytoplasm. Finally, immunoprecipitation-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed a decrease in oxidized prolines (hydroxyprolines) in LRX11-GFP in the p4h4-1 p4h6-1 background compared with lrx11 plants expressing pLRX11::LRX11-GFP. Taken together, these results suggest that P4H4 and P4H6 are required for pollen germination and for proper hydroxylation of LRX11 necessary for its localization in the cell wall of pollen tubes.

Incorporation of germinated lupin into corn-based extrudates: Focus on starch digestibility, matrix structure and physicochemical properties.

The research aimed to assess the effects of incorporating germinated Lupinus angustifolius flour into corn extrudates for different periods (3, 5, and 7 days), focusing on starch digestibility, morphological structure, thermal, and pasting properties. Extrudate with germinated lupinus flour for 7 days (EG7) significantly increased the content of slowly digestible starch up to 10.56% (p < 0.05). Crystallinity increased up to 20% in extrudates with germinated flour compared to extrudates with ungerminated flour (EUG), observing changes at the molecular level by FTIR that impact the thermal and pasting properties. X-ray diffraction revealed angles of 2θ = 11.31, 16.60, 19.91, and 33.04 as a result of the germination and extrusion processes. Microstructural analysis indicated starch-protein interactions influencing changes in calorimetry, viscosity, X-ray diffraction, and digestibility. PCA allowed establishing that the addition of germinated flours significantly affected the properties and microstructural characteristics of extruded products, potentially affecting digestibility and nutritional quality.

Effects of a S-metolachlor based herbicide on two plant models: Zea mays L. and Lactuca sativa L.

Corn is the second most cultivated crop in Brazil, the number-one country in pesticide consumption. Chemical control of weeds is performed using herbicides such as S-metolachlor with pre- and post-emergence action and thus the toxicity of herbicides constitutes a matter of great concern. The present investigation aimed to examine the effects of an S-metolachlor-based herbicide on Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) and Zea mays L. (maize) utilizing various bioassays. The test solutions were prepared from commercial products containing the active ingredient. Seeds from the plant models were exposed in petri dishes and maintained under biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) at 24°C. Distilled water was negative and aluminium positive control. Macroscopic analyses (germination and growth) were conducted for both plant species, and microscopic analysis (cell cycle and chromosomal alterations) were performed for L. sativa root tip cells. Detrimental interference of S-metolachlor-based herbicide was noted with lettuce for all parameters tested reducing plant germination by over 50% and the germination speed by over 45% and showing a significant decrease in mitotic index, from 16.25% to 9,28% even on the lowest concentration tested. In maize, there was no significant interference in plant germination; however, speed of germination was significantly hampered, reaching a 51.22% reduction for the highest concentration tested. Data demonstrated that the herbicide was toxic as evidenced by its phyto- and cytotoxicity in L. sativa L. and Z. mays L.

Physicochemical changes in Amaranthus spp grains, flour, isolated starch, and nanocrystals during germination and malting.

Amaranth is a pseudocereal that contains between 50 and 60% starch, gluten-free protein, and essential amino acids. This study investigates the physicochemical changes in Amaranthus spp. grains, flour, isolated starch and nanocrystals during germination and malting. The moisture content increased from 8.9% to 41% over 2 h of soaking. The percentage of germination increased rapidly, reaching 96% after 60 h, a remarkable advantage over other cereals. The nutrient composition varied, including protein synthesis and lipid degradation. Lipid concentration decreased during malting, except for soaking, which increased by 62%. Scanning electron microscopy shows that germination does not cause morphological changes on the outer surface of the grains, while transmission electron microscopy indicates the presence of isolated nanocrystals with orthorhombic crystal structure confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The viscosity profile shows a decrease in peak viscosity. Therefore, amaranth is a potential pseudocereal that can be used as an additive in the production of fermented beverages.

Time maters: Exploring the dynamics of bioactive compounds content, bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity during Lupinus angustifolius germination.

Germination is a process that enhances the content of health-promoting secondary metabolites. However, the bioaccessibility of these compounds depends on their stability and solubility throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The study aimed to explore how germination time influences the content and bioaccessibility of γ-aminobutyric acid and polyphenols and antioxidant capacity of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) sprouts during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Gamma-aminobutyric acid showed a decrease following gastrointestinal digestion (GID) whereas phenolic acids and flavonoids exhibited bioaccessibilities of up to 82.56 and 114.20%, respectively. Although the digestion process affected the profile of phenolic acids and flavonoids, certain isoflavonoids identified in 7-day sprouts (G7) showed resistance to GID. Germination not only favored antioxidant activity but also resulted in germinated samples exhibiting greater antioxidant properties than ungerminated counter parts after GID. Intestinal digests from G7 did not show cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and notably, they showed an outstanding ability to inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species. This suggests potential benefit in mitigating oxidative stress. These findings contribute to understand the dynamic interplay between bioprocessing and digestion in modulating the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds in lupin, thereby impacting health.

Regulation of seed dormancy by histone post-translational modifications in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.

Plants synchronize their growth and development with environmental changes, which is critical for their survival. Among their life cycle transitions, seed germination is key for ensuring the survival and optimal growth of the next generation. However, even under favorable conditions, oftentimes germination can be blocked by seed dormancy, a regulatory multilayered checkpoint integrating internal and external signals. Intricate genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlie seed dormancy establishment, maintenance, and release. In this review, we focus on recent advances that shed light on the complex mechanisms associated with physiological dormancy, prevalent in seed plants, with Arabidopsis thaliana serving as a model. Here, we summarize the role of multiple epigenetic regulators, but with a focus on histone modifications like acetylation and methylation, that finely tune dormancy responses and influence dormancy-associated gene expression. Understanding these mechanisms can lead to a better understanding of seed biology in general, as well as result in the identification of possible targets for breeding climate-resilient plants.

Mitigating salt stress by conditioning seeds with ultraviolet light (UV-C) in white oats (Avena sativa L.).

Seed conditioning with ultraviolet light (UV-C) might (1) improve crop yield and quality, (2) reduce the use of agrochemicals during cultivation, and (3) increase plant survival in high salinity environments. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of UV-C conditioning of white oat seeds at two doses (0.85 and 3.42 kJ m-2) under salinity stress (100 mM NaCl). Seeds were sown on germination paper and kept in a germination chamber at 20°C. Germination and seedling growth parameters were evaluated after 5 and 10 days. Data demonstrated that excess salt reduced germination and initial growth of white oat seedlings. In all the variables analyzed, exposure of seeds to UV-C under salt stress exerted a positive effect compared to non-irradiated control. The attenuating influence of UV-C in germination was greater at 0.85 than at 3.42 kJ m-2. Thus, data indicate that conditioning white oat seeds in UV-C light produced greater tolerance to salt stress. These findings suggest that UV-C conditioning of white oat seeds may be considered as a simple and economical strategy to alleviate salt-induced stress.

Extracted Eucalyptus globulus Bark Fiber as a Potential Substrate for Pinus radiata and Quillaja saponaria Germination.

This study aimed to explore alternative substrates for growing forest species using eucalyptus bark. It evaluated the potential of extracted Eucalyptus globulus fiber bark as a substitute for commercial growing media such as coconut fiber, moss, peat, and compost pine. We determined the physicochemical parameters of the growing media, the germination rate, and the mean fresh and dry weights of seedlings. We used the Munoo-Liisa Vitality Index (MLVI) test to evaluate the phytotoxicity of the bark alone and when mixed with commercial substrates. Generally, the best mixture for seed growth was 75% extracted eucalyptus bark fiber and 25% commercial substrates. In particular, the 75E-25P (peat) mixture is a promising substitute for seedling growth of Pinus radiata, achieving up to 3-times higher MLVI than the control peat alone. For Quillaja saponaria, the best growth substrate was the 50E-50C (coconut fiber) mixture, which had the most significant MLVI values (127%). We added chitosan and alginate-encapsulated fulvic acid phytostimulants to improve the performance of the substrate mixtures. The fulvic acid, encapsulated or not, significantly improved MLVI values in Q. saponaria species and P. radiata in concentrations between 0.05 and 0.1% w/v. This study suggests that mixtures with higher levels of extracted fiber are suitable for growing forest species, thus promoting the application of circular economy principles in forestry.

Bacillus subtilis stress-associated mutagenesis and developmental DNA repair.

SUMMARYThe metabolic conditions that prevail during bacterial growth have evolved with the faithful operation of repair systems that recognize and eliminate DNA lesions caused by intracellular and exogenous agents. This idea is supported by the low rate of spontaneous mutations (10-9) that occur in replicating cells, maintaining genome integrity. In contrast, when growth and/or replication cease, bacteria frequently process DNA lesions in an error-prone manner. DNA repairs provide cells with the tools needed for maintaining homeostasis during stressful conditions and depend on the developmental context in which repair events occur. Thus, different physiological scenarios can be anticipated. In nutritionally stressed bacteria, different components of the base excision repair pathway may process damaged DNA in an error-prone approach, promoting genetic variability. Interestingly, suppressing the mismatch repair machinery and activating specific DNA glycosylases promote stationary-phase mutations. Current evidence also suggests that in resting cells, coupling repair processes to actively transcribed genes may promote multiple genetic transactions that are advantageous for stressed cells. DNA repair during sporulation is of interest as a model to understand how transcriptional processes influence the formation of mutations in conditions where replication is halted. Current reports indicate that transcriptional coupling repair-dependent and -independent processes operate in differentiating cells to process spontaneous and induced DNA damage and that error-prone synthesis of DNA is involved in these events. These and other noncanonical ways of DNA repair that contribute to mutagenesis, survival, and evolution are reviewed in this manuscript.