Polyploidy drives structural and functional evolution in Camellia mitochondrial genomes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Whole-genome duplication (polyploidy) is a primary driver of plant evolution, yet its impact on the co-evolving mitochondrial genome remains poorly understood. The genus Camellia, with its diverse ploidy levels, offers an ideal system to investigate the resulting structural and molecular evolution of the mitogenome.

Results

Comparative mitogenomic analysis across a ploidy gradient (2×, 4×, 6×) revealed that mitochondrial genome size (900 kb) and core gene content remained highly conserved despite significant nuclear genome expansion. However, polyploid species exhibited extensive genomic rearrangements compared to their diploid relatives, indicating substantial structural evolution. Lineage-specific selection was identified in metabolic genes, such as sdh3, sugges

SUBMITTER: Gao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12922361 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature