Epigenetic aspects of centromere function in plants

► Centromeres can readily become inactive and can be inherited in this state over many generations. ► Centromere sequences can be present in the genome naturally without centromere activity such as along the length of the B chromosome. ► Under some circumstances, inactive centromeres can become reactivated and subsequently inherited. ► Sequencing across centromere 5 of maize provides evidence that the position of the centromere has shifted slightly over evolutionary time. ► Transformation of centromere sequences results in stable integrations into the genome, which is consistent with an epigenetic basis to centromere activity.