Plant Retrotransposons: Genomic, Evolutionary and Biotechnological Perspectives

This book provides an up-to-date outlook on the origin, evolution, structure, genomic organization, expression, regulation and transposition mechanism of retrotransposons in the plant genome and computational tools and algorithms to analyze retrotransposons across different species, and their use as genetic tools in crop breeding and improvement. The book also highlights the biotechnological applications of the retrotransposon transposable elements. Previously dismissed as parasites/selfish or JUNK DNA, these elements are now recognized as ＂Just Unexplored Novel Know-how＂. Retrotransposons play crucial roles in gene function, genomic organization, mutations, stress responses, genome regulation, epigenomics, diversity, evolution, and plant speciation. Leveraging these as biotechnological tools can help develop climate-smart crops for sustainable agriculture.

Deepu Pandita is a Senior Lecturer in the Government Department of School Education, Jammu, India, with over 22 years of teaching experience. She holds an MSc in Botany from the University of Kashmir and an MPhil in Biotechnology from the University of Jammu. Deepu has earned several prestigious fellowships, including the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), and National Eligibility Test (NET) for Assistant Professorship, awarded by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research and University Grants Commission, New Delhi.

In addition, she has been recognized with a Biotechnology Fellowship from the Government Department of Science and Technology, Jammu & Kashmir, and the IASc-INSA-NASI Summer Research Teacher Fellowship, by three National Science Academies of India. Deepu has presented her research at major conferences, winning accolades like the Best Oral Presentation Award at the International Conference on Biotechnology for Better Tomorrow, as well as the Women Researcher Award and Research Excellence Award from professional associations.

As a dedicated academic, she serves as a reviewer and editor for several reputed journals. Her publications include numerous editorials, 55 book chapters, and 23 review and research articles. She has also edited eight books as the principal editor, with several more under publication, establishing herself as a prolific contributor to her field.

Anu Pandita is a Senior Dietician at Vatsalya Clinic in Krishna Nagar, New Delhi, India. With a rich background in dietetics and academia, she previously served as a lecturer at Bee Enn College of Nursing in Talab Tillo, Jammu, India, and worked as a Dietician at Ahinsa Dham Bhagwan Mahavir Charitable Health Centre, New Delhi.

Anu holds an MSc in Dietetics and completed her internship at the prestigious Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), Chandigarh, where she conducted a detailed case study on a patient with chronic liver disease in the Pediatric Gastroenterology Ward at Nehru Hospital, PGI, Chandigarh. In addition to her MSc, she has earned a certificate in food and nutrition and has participated in numerous training programs, workshops, and refresher courses to stay at the forefront of her field.

A dedicated professional, Anu Pandita is a lifetime member of the Indian Dietetic Association and the Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata. She has contributed significantly to academia, co-editing eight books, authoring book chapters, and publishing several research and review articles in both national and international journals. Her work has been well-received, and she has shared her insights at various national and international conferences. Anu Pandita has published various book chapters with reputed publishers, and has a number of review and research articles in various journals of repute, and has a number of books under publication.