To network or not to network, that is the question

Polyploidization can be regarded as one of the most important evolutionary processes. It is well known that the condition of polyploidy is common in plant species, and it has been suggested that approximately 70% of angiosperms have undergone at least one ancient genome duplication (Masterson 1994). Moreover, recent studies assume that palaeopolyploidy is widespread throughout all eukaryotic lineages, having occurred, for example, during the evolution of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae Meyen ex E.C. Hansen), in the early ancestor of vertebrates, and repeatedly during the evolution of teleost fishes (Makalowski 2001). In polysporangiophytes (‘vascular plants’ or tracheophytes), polyploidy is recognized as an important phenomenon, with several lines of evidence suggesting that 15% of angiosperm