Since the discovery two decades ago that transgenes are efficiently integrated into the genome of Physcomitrella patens by homologous recombination, this moss has been a premier model system to study evolutionary developmental biology questions, stem cell reprogramming, and the biology of nonvascular plants. P patens was the first non-seed plant to have its genome sequenced. With this level of genomic information, together with increasing molecular genetic tools, a large number of reverse genetic studies have propelled the use of this model system. A number of technological advances have recently opened the door to forward genetics as well as extremely efficient and precise genome editing in P patens Additionally, careful phylogenetic studies with increased resolution have suggested that P patens emerged from within Physcomitrium Thus, rather than Physcomitrella patens, the species should be named Physcomitrium patens Here we review these advances and describe the areas where P patens has had the most impact on plant biology.
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