Complex chloroplast RNA metabolism: just debugging the genetic programme?

ABSTRACT:

Background

The gene expression system of chloroplasts is far more complex than that of their cyanobacterial progenitor. This gain in complexity affects in particular RNA metabolism, specifically the transcription and maturation of RNA. Mature chloroplast RNA is generated by a plethora of nuclear-encoded proteins acquired or recruited during plant evolution, comprising additional RNA polymerases and sigma factors, and sequence-specific RNA maturation factors promoting RNA splicing, editing, end formation and translatability. Despite years of intensive research, we still lack a comprehensive explanation for this complexity.

Results

We inspected the available literature and genome databases for information on components of RNA metabolism in land plant chloroplasts. In particula

SUBMITTER: Maier UG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2553071 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature