Inbreeding is the mating of closely related species in nature, on plantations, or in self-pollinated plants that produce highly homozygous plants. This process can reduce the genetic diversity of offspring and reduce heterozygosity, whereas inbreeding inhibition (ID) can often reduce survival. Inbreeding suppression is widespread in plants and animals and has played an important role in evolution. The overview aims to show that inbreeding affects gene expression through the action of epigenetic mechanisms, leading to metabolic and phenotypic changes in organisms. This is especially important in plant breeding. Epigenetic profiles can be associated with degradation or enhancement of agriculturally important traits.
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