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MICRO-RNAs. "By using grafts between wild-type and mutant roots and shoots of Arabidopsis, recent studies have shown that small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) can act as mobile signals that direct epigenetic modifications in the genome of recipient cells." http://jxb.oxfordjournals.org/content/62/11/3713.full View in LinkedIn

MARKINGS. "The N-terminal tails of core histone proteins can be covalently modified by acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, sumoylation, carbonylation, and glycation. The combinatorial set of modifications (histone code) plays an essential role in regulating dynamic changes in chromatin structure, ultimately influencing gene transcription in response to diverse exogenous and endogenous stimuli including stress, pathogen attack, temperature, light, and hormones." http://jxb.oxfordjournals.org/content/62/11/3713.full View in LinkedIn

TRANSPOSON CONTROL. "Plants, as well as other highly developed multicellular organisms, show increased DNA methylation when compared with other eukaryotic organisms, probably due to the need for more efficient control of transposons, or the need for additional epigenetic regulation to control the development of many different cell types." http://jxb.oxfordjournals.org/content/62/11/3713.full View in LinkedIn

THE EXTERNAL MOUND. “Macrotermes colonies characteristically build prominent above-ground structures that can rise several meters above the nest. Although the mound-building habit is found among other termites, such as the dramatic blade-like “magnetic” mounds built by the Australian termite Amitermes meridionalis, these other mounds invariably serve as the colony’s residence . The Macrotermes colony, in contrast, does not inhabit its mound, but is situated in the subterranean nest.” https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12304-016-9256-5 View in LinkedIn

INSECT LIVESTOCK FARMERS. “Where most other termites rely solely on intestinal symbionts for the digestion of their woody diets, Macrotermes have partially outsourced cellulose digestion to cultures of a symbiotic fungus, Termitomyces. The fungi are cultivated on numerous so-called fungus combs that are housed in special gallery chambers within the nest. The combs are built by workers from macerated woody material that is brought back to the nest and inoculated with fungal spores. The fungi then partially digest the woody forage, and this composted material serves as an enriched diet for the colony.” Just like Leafcutter ants thousands of miles away. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12304-016-9256-5 View in LinkedIn