Mitochondria of protists

Over the past several decades, our knowledge of the origin and evolution of mitochondria has been greatly advanced by determination of complete mitochondrial genome sequences. Among the most informative mitochondrial genomes have been those of protists (primarily unicellular eukaryotes), some of whi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annual review of genetics 2004-01, Vol.38 (1), p.477-524
Main Authors: Gray, Michael W, Lang, B Franz, Burger, Gertraud
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Bacteria - genetics
Biological Evolution
Cell Lineage
DNA, Mitochondrial - genetics
Eukaryota - genetics
Eukaryotic Cells
Fungi - genetics
Gene Expression
Mitochondria - genetics
Mitochondria - metabolism
Mitochondria - physiology
Phylogeny
Plants - genetics
Proteomics
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Summary:Over the past several decades, our knowledge of the origin and evolution of mitochondria has been greatly advanced by determination of complete mitochondrial genome sequences. Among the most informative mitochondrial genomes have been those of protists (primarily unicellular eukaryotes), some of which harbor the most gene-rich and most eubacteria-like mitochondrial DNAs (mtDNAs) known. Comparison of mtDNA sequence data has provided insights into the radically diverse trends in mitochondrial genome evolution exhibited by different phylogenetically coherent groupings of eukaryotes, and has allowed us to pinpoint specific protist relatives of the multicellular eukaryotic lineages (animals, plants, and fungi). This comparative genomics approach has also revealed unique and fascinating aspects of mitochondrial gene expression, highlighting the mitochondrion as an evolutionary playground par excellence.
ISSN:0066-4197
1545-2948
DOI:10.1146/annurev.genet.37.110801.142526