Fig. 4

Characteristics of gene space a Fractions of genes found in clusters of different sizes. Almost 60% of the barley genes are found in clusters of 2 or more genes, in contrast to results of a simulation where genes are randomly distributed across the genome. In that case, only about 30% of the genes are found in clusters. b Distances of Mariner and Harbinger transposons to the nearest gene in the barley genome. The datasets for chromosome 1 show that Mariner elements prefer most to insert 1-2 kb away from genes. Here, we measured the distance from the middle of the annotated TE to middle of the nearest annotated gene. Note that for this analysis, we used only high-confidence genes of the HC1 level [4]. Thus the actual number of TEs near genes is likely to be higher. c Comparison of TE composition of gene islands with that of large (> 200 kb) intergenic regions