Double-strand break repair processes drive evolution of the mitochondrial genome in Arabidopsis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The mitochondrial genome of higher plants is unusually dynamic, with recombination and nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) activities producing variability in size and organization. Plant mitochondrial DNA also generally displays much lower nucleotide substitution rates than mammalian or yeast systems. Arabidopsis displays these features and expedites characterization of the mitochondrial recombination surveillance gene MSH1 (MutS 1 homolog), lending itself to detailed study of de novo mitochondrial genome activity. In the present study, we investigated the underlying basis for unusual plant features as they contribute to rapid mitochondrial genome evolution.

Results

We obtained evidence of double-strand break (DSB) repair, including NHEJ, sequence deletions and mito

SUBMITTER: Davila JI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3193812 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature