Comparative modeling of DNA and RNA polymerases from Moniliophthora perniciosa mitochondrial plasmid.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The filamentous fungus Moniliophthora perniciosa (Stahel) Aime & Phillips-Mora is a hemibiotrophic Basidiomycota that causes witches' broom disease of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.). This disease has resulted in a severe decrease in Brazilian cocoa production, which changed the position of Brazil in the market from the second largest cocoa exporter to a cocoa importer. Fungal mitochondrial plasmids are usually invertrons encoding DNA and RNA polymerases. Plasmid insertions into host mitochondrial genomes are probably associated with modifications in host generation time, which can be involved in fungal aging. This association suggests activity of polymerases, and these can be used as new targets for drugs against mitochondrial activity of fungi, more specifically against wit

SUBMITTER: Andrade BS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2746187 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature