Valente, Guilherme T. [UNESP]Nakajima, Rafael T. [UNESP]Fantinatti, Bruno E. A. [UNESP]Marques, Diego F. [UNESP]Almeida, Rodrigo O. [UNESP]Simões, Rafael P. [UNESP]Martins, Cesar [UNESP]2018-12-112018-12-112017-02-01Chromosoma, v. 126, n. 1, p. 73-81, 2017.1432-08860009-5915http://hdl.handle.net/11449/178224Though hundreds to thousands of reports have described the distribution of B chromosomes among diverse eukaryote groups, a comprehensive theory of their biological role has not yet clearly emerged. B chromosomes are classically understood as a sea of repetitive DNA sequences that are poor in genes and are maintained by a parasitic-drive mechanism during cell division. Recent developments in high-throughput DNA/RNA analyses have increased the resolution of B chromosome biology beyond those of classical and molecular cytogenetic methods; B chromosomes contain many transcriptionally active sequences, including genes, and can modulate the activity of autosomal genes. Furthermore, the most recent knowledge obtained from omics analyses, which is associated with a systemic view, has demonstrated that B chromosomes can influence cell biology in a complex way, possibly favoring their own maintenance and perpetuation.73-81engCytogenomicsEvolutionGenomicsSupernumerary chromosomesResenha10.1007/s00412-016-0613-6Acesso aberto2-s2.0-84983426534186281482759063288588006994253520000-0002-3433-85740000-0003-3534-974X