Unusually long palindromes are abundant in mitochondrial control regions of insects and nematodes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Palindromes are known to be involved in a variety of biological processes. In the present investigation we carried out a comprehensive analysis of palindromes in the mitochondrial control regions (CRs) of several animal groups to study their frequency, distribution and architecture to gain insights into the origin of replication of mtDNA.

Methodology/principal findings

Many species of Arthropoda, Nematoda, Mollusca and Annelida harbor palindromes and inverted repeats (IRs) in their CRs. Lower animals like cnidarians and higher animal groups like chordates are almost devoid of palindromes and IRs. The study revealed that palindrome occurrence is positively correlated with the AT content of CRs, and that IRs are likely to give rise to longer palindromes.

Conclusi

SUBMITTER: Arunkumar KP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1762429 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature