MOLECULAR ADAPTATIONS IN DESERT FLORA: A GENOMIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Desert environments pose extreme challenges to plant survival, including high temperatures, limited water availability, and intense solar radiation. Desert plants, or xerophytes, have evolved remarkable adaptations that allow them to thrive under these harsh conditions. These adaptations are not only visible at the morphological and physiological levels but also occur at the molecular and genomic levels. Recent advances in genomics have provided insights into the complex genetic networks that regulate water use efficiency, osmotic balance, photosynthetic pathways, and heat tolerance. Studies have identified key genes, transcription factors, and signaling pathways that enable desert plants to withstand drought and temperature extremes. Comparative genomic analyses have revealed evolutionary innovations such as gene duplication, alternative splicing, and stress-responsive regulatory elements that contribute to resilience. Understanding these molecular mechanisms not only enhances our knowledge of plant adaptation and evolution but also has practical implications for developing drought-tolerant crops and conserving biodiversity in arid regions. This review highlights current genomic findings, emphasizing the intricate relationship between genetic makeup and environmental adaptation in desert flora.