Sequences homologous to episomal mitochondrial DNAs in the maize nuclear genome

The endosymbiont hypothesis for the origin of eukaryotic cells implies that an exchange of genetic information between nuclei, mitochondria and, in the case of plants, chloroplasts is plausible. Indeed, a 12-kilobase (kb) DNA sequence common to chloroplasts and mitochondria of maize has been identif...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature (London) 1983-01, Vol.304 (5928), p.744-747
Main Authors: Kemble, Roger J, Mans, Rusty J, Gabay-Laughnan, Susan, Laughnan, John R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Cytogenetics
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Genetics of eukaryotes. Biological and molecular evolution
Humanities and Social Sciences
letter
multidisciplinary
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Vegetals and fungi
Zea mays
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Summary:The endosymbiont hypothesis for the origin of eukaryotic cells implies that an exchange of genetic information between nuclei, mitochondria and, in the case of plants, chloroplasts is plausible. Indeed, a 12-kilobase (kb) DNA sequence common to chloroplasts and mitochondria of maize has been identified 1 and we now report the presence of common DNA sequences in the maize nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Homologous nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences have also recently been found in other organisms 2–6 , but this report extends the phenomenon to a higher eukaryote. Moreover, it encompasses sequences common to the mitochondrial genome, the nuclear genome and episomal, virus-like DNAs that have the physical characteristics of transposable elements. These episomal DNAs may provide the mechanism whereby sequences are transported from the mitochondrion to the nucleus.
ISSN:0028-0836
1476-4687
DOI:10.1038/304744a0